Ethiopian Ambassador Advocates for Stronger U.S. Ties at Washington Diplomatic Event

Yesterday, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C., hosted the Ambassadors Insider Series event, organized by The Washington Diplomat. The event brought together representatives from the Ethiopian American community, The Washington Diplomat, Africa-focused thought leaders, and media personnel.

During the event, Dr. Seleshi Bekele, the Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States addressed a range of pressing issues facing Ethiopia, including human rights, transitional justice, infrastructure, and energy. He engaged in a candid discussion with attendees, answering questions about his role in liaising with policymakers in Washington.

A significant portion of the dialogue centered on Ethiopia desire to undergo a process of national healing after several years of instability and civil war. He outlined key areas where the United States could play a supportive role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support.

The Ambassador also highlighted the influential role of the Ethiopian American community, one of the largest African diasporas in the United States. He urged its members to engage positively to bolster U.S.-Ethiopia relations and to contribute to Ethiopia’s economic development.

The event underscored the enduring relationship between Ethiopia and the United States, marking 120 years of diplomatic ties. Despite this longstanding connection, the Ambassador noted that there is ample room for increased engagement in Washington. Moving forward, the Ethiopian Embassy plans to intensify its efforts to promote Ethiopia’s interests and enhance its diplomatic activities.

The Washington Diplomat, an independent media company with a readership exceeding 200,000, has been a cornerstone of the diplomatic community in Washington since 1994. Its content reaches a diverse audience, including all foreign embassies in Washington, the United Nations in New York, major international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF, and numerous federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the region.

As the Embassy of Ethiopia looks to strengthen its ties and increase its visibility in Washington, events like the Ambassadors Insider Series play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding between Ethiopia and the United States.