The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, delivered a press briefing of the Ministry to local and international media outlets this morning.

In his presser, he stated that the concluded fiscal year 2017 E.C. (2024/25 EFY) was a year of successful diplomacy for Ethiopia.

Ambassador Nebiat said a number of diplomatic engagements were made to strengthen bilateral relations, regional integration, and continental and international cooperation that served our national interests.

The spokesperson noted that 11 international agreements that are in Ethiopia’s best interests have been submitted to and ratified by the House of People’s Representatives.

Ambassador Nebiat also mentioned that legal reviews were made on 198 international agreements and memoranda of understanding.

According to the Spokesperson, the signing of these international agreements has ensured that our country could cooperate with various countries on comprehensive and multifaceted issues in a mutually beneficial manner, safeguarding our country’s national interests.

In terms of strengthening people-to-people relations, 968 free higher education scholarships were provided to neighboring countries during the fiscal year.

Another point that Ambassador Nebiat raised in his briefing was that it would be beneficial for citizens to monitor and implement new procedures regarding visa services and immigration, including travel documents issued by the US government. He stated that the following issues should be taken into consideration.

Firstly, he emphasized the need for Ethiopian citizens traveling to the U.S. on student or tourist visas to be aware of the new immigration and visa regulations issued by the U.S. government. He stated that staying beyond the authorized period could result in consequences, urging citizens to act with caution.

Secondly, he emphasized that it is important to be aware that all documents submitted to the US Embassy whenever applying for a visa to travel to the United States must be accurate, and the information provided during the interview must be truthful.

He also noted that foreign nationals, including those with U.S. or other nationalities, who overstay their visa period in Ethiopia could face legal consequences under Ethiopian law. This includes people of Ethiopian origin who do not have an Ethiopian-origin identity card.

Ambassador Nebiat highlighted that, by strengthening economic diplomacy, Ethiopia has worked to boost foreign investment by promoting investment opportunities at 160 forums during the fiscal year.

The Spokesperson also said that 151 new market linkages were created by promoting our country’s export products at 118 trade promotion forums.

Ambassador Nebiat explained that a total of 131,014 of our citizens who were in tough situations in 21 countries have been able to return home.

Ambassador Nebiyat stated that the second UN Food System Summit will be held in Addis Ababa from July 27 to 29, 2019, jointly organized by Ethiopia and Italy. He also noted that Ethiopia is focusing on issues that protect its national interests at this summit.

He particularly highlighted this summit as an opportunity to promote Ethiopia’s achievements and ongoing efforts in the agricultural sector and food systems, as well as ensuring food sovereignty.

Ambassador Nebiat, who mentioned that the National Organizing Committee has been established and is successfully organizing the conference, noted that the second African Climate Change Conference, which will be attended by up to 25,000 guests, will be held a month after the UN Food Systems Summit.

Ambassador Nebiat concluded by emphasizing that Ethiopia’s efforts in climate change mitigation are not limited to rhetoric but are being practically implemented through the Green Legacy Initiative, which will be presented at the summit to demonstrate Ethiopia’s global engagement and commitment.