Successful conclusion of AU Summit demonstrates Ethiopia’s capacity to host int’l summit -MFA

Addis Ababa, February 18, 2025 (FMC) – In a media briefing this morning, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Ambassador Birtukan Ayano highlighted the successful conclusion of the Ordinary Sessions of the 46th Executive Council and the 38th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

In her presser, the State Minister stated that both the Executive Council and the Summit, which were attended by more than 12,000 guests, concluded successfully coupled with impeccable hospitality.

Ambassador Birtukan also explained that a King, 30 Presidents, 3 Vice Presidents, 5 Prime Ministers and 17 First Ladies from Member States, participated in the Summit together with their respective delegations.

She told reporters, the National Coordinating Committee for the AU Summit, which the State Minister chairs, was led by senior leadership in the government and under constant supervision ensured the smooth proceedings and fruitful completion of the Summit.

Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 101 volunteer cadet protocol officers took part in the execution of the host country’s responsibilities in terms of protocol and etiquette, among other things, she mentioned. The inclusion of additional volunteer cadets with diverse foreign language backgrounds also made this year’s summit more convenient for the guests, as it minimized communication barriers, Ambassador Birtukan said. She also stressed the astute leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in spearheading the overall undertakings.

Speaking of diplomatic clearances facilitated for the participants, Ambassador said, 57 flights at presidential and heads of delegation levels were issued landing and overflight permits to take part in the 38th AU Summit.

On top of meticulously facilitating the smooth arrival, stay and departure of participants, the State Minister stated that, the various bilateral side meetings on the margins of the Summit by the senior leadership including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister of Foreign Affairs created a conducive atmosphere for the signing of miscellaneous agreements and renewed engagements to safeguard Ethiopia’s interests at national, regional and continental levels.

The 38th AU Summit apart from further entrenching Addis Ababa’s position as the longstanding political and diplomatic capital of Africa also served as a litmus test of the City’s future prospects as a pivotal trade and investment hub, Ambassador Birtukan stated.

The Summit, according to her, helped the new generation to realize that a new Pan-African wave is in the making through economic integration and infrastructural inter-linkages.

Ambassador ended her press briefing by expressing the gratitude of the People and Government of Ethiopia to all stakeholders across the board and most importantly, the residents of Addis Ababa and the rest of Ethiopia, for their exemplary hospitality and commitment, active participation, tenacious support and seamless cooperation in the incessant efforts towards ensuring the effective conclusion of the eventful Summit.

The 38th AU Summit took place at the AU Headquarters from 12 to 16 February 2025 here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.