Tourism Minister, French Ambassador discuss progress of Lalibela restoration project

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2025 (FMC) — Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa met today with French Ambassador to Ethiopia Alexis Lamek and members of the Lalibela Archaeological Site Maintenance Monitoring Committee to discuss the ongoing restoration efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lalibela.

The meeting focused on the progress of the restoration project, which is being carried out with the support of the French government.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the talks included in-depth discussions on the international tender process for the restoration study as well as the scientific research underpinning the overall conservation work.

Minister Selamawit expressed her gratitude to the French government for its continued support of Ethiopia’s tourism sector.

She noted that French assistance has played a key role in the preservation of the Lalibela rock-hewn churches, the renovation of the National Palace, and ongoing efforts to modernize the National Museum.

As part of the restoration initiative, the Minister also announced the formation of an advisory committee composed of representatives from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Heritage Conservation Authority, and other key stakeholders.

The committee will provide guidance and oversight for the project.
The discussion further outlined steps to establish a training platform to build local capacity in heritage conservation.

Ambassador Lamek reaffirmed France’s commitment to the timely completion of all components of the restoration effort, particularly the scientific study and related works.

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Abune Ermias, Archbishop of the North Wollo Diocese and Patron of the Lalibela Churches, as well as the Mayor of Lalibela and officials from the Ministry of Tourism.