Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu bade farewell to Ambassador Susanna Moorehead, the outgoing UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the AU and UN Economic Commission for Africa on January 2. The Minister thanked the Ambassador for her efforts to enhance and complement relations between Ethiopia and UK. He highlighted the true friendship and common vision both countries enjoyed including collaboration on a myriad of issues of mutual concern at regional and global levels. The Minister said: “Our long-standing historical and important relation has garnered practical outcomes as Ethiopia is undertaking sweeping reforms in good governance, opening up political space and democratization.” He added, “Independent, strong and trustworthy institutions are vital bedrocks to bring progress in democratization and we call for the international community to support our endeavours in this regard.”

Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh also underlined the need to further bolster trade and investment ties between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. He said, “Ethiopia and the UK have enjoyed rich diplomatic relations covering a range of areas, including trade, culture, education and development cooperation.” Dr. Workneh awarded the Ambassador a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her outstanding contribution in enhancing the bilateral ties between Ethiopia and the UK.

Ambassador Susanna Moorehead expressed the UK’s continued commitment to support Ethiopia and the efforts of ensuring regional peace, stability and economic integration in the Horn of Africa. She said, “I’m pleased to witness Ethiopia’s political transition during my tenure of duty and Ethiopia has been a stabilizing force in a difficult and highly uncertain region.” She stressed that the UK was keen to support Ethiopia in human capital development, job creation and institution building.

Ambassador Moorehead, talking to journalists subsequently, praised the massive political and socio-economic changes witnessed in Ethiopia in recent times. She said changes have brought about a new era not only for the country but also for the entire region. Ambassador Moorehead said her term as ambassador had been “a fascinating three years.” During her term, the UK had provided around 1 billion US dollars for development projects including programs that benefited 4 million pregnant mothers and children under 5, and increased access to safe drinking water for 5 million. She said the UK had always seen Ethiopia as a key strategic partner, and its commitment to Ethiopia was unchanged.