President Taye Atske Selassie Bids Farewell to Outgoing Ambassadors

Addis Ababa, December 4, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic event, President Taye Atske Selassie graciously bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassadors of Kenya and New Zealand, George Morara Orina and Michael Upton, respectively. This occasion highlighted the fruitful bilateral relations and collaborative efforts between Ethiopia and both countries during their tenure.

Recognizing Bilateral Achievements

During the farewell, President Taye commended the ambassadors for their remarkable contributions in enhancing Ethiopia’s bilateral relations with both nations. He acknowledged their efforts to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, investment, and development.

Growth in Multisectoral Cooperation

The President particularly emphasized the flourishing partnership between Ethiopia and Kenya, which has witnessed a strong upward trajectory in recent years. The initiatives undertaken by both countries have not only fostered people-to-people ties but also facilitated greater engagement in various multilateral arenas.

Reflections From the Outgoing Ambassadors

In reflecting on their time in Ethiopia, both ambassadors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the impactful collaborations achieved during their terms.

Ambassador George Morara Orina remarked on the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Kenya, which have flourished since the era of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s founding father. He noted that the two nations share a model partnership, particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and security collaboration.

Advancements in Trade and Technology

New Zealand’s Ambassador Michael Upton also delivered insights during the farewell, emphasizing his country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia. His focus on technology, trade, and capacity building during his tenure has aimed at fortifying the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit.

The Path Forward

As Ethiopia continues to navigate the landscape of international relations, the achievements noted during the ambassadors’ terms serve as a foundation for future growth. Both outgoing ambassadors affirmed that the bilateral cooperation momentum will bolster economic development and investment opportunities, reinforcing Ethiopia’s position within the East African region.

Conclusion: Lasting Impact of Diplomatic Relations

The farewell ceremony underscored the vital role of diplomacy in fostering strong international bonds. President Taye’s acknowledgment of the ambassadors’ contributions reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its relationships with key allies like Kenya and New Zealand. As the nation moves forward, the groundwork laid by these diplomatic efforts will undoubtedly facilitate continued collaboration across numerous sectors.

For more information on Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagements, you can explore the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

By nurturing these fruitful connections, Ethiopia positions itself as a pivotal player in the East African Economic Community and beyond.