Ethiopia and France Launch New Sustainable Heritage Project.

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and France have launched a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noel Barrot, along with Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa and other higher officials, visited the Ethiopian National Museum and Lycée Guebre-Mariam School today. At the occasion, a project titled "Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia" was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the two ministers.According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the occasion, Selamawit highlighted Ethiopia's immense historical and cultural wealth, boasting of 17 UNESCO-inscribed sites, a testament to its status as a leading heritage nation in Africa. Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to leveraging the tourism sector for economic growth, driven by initiatives such as "Dine for Sheger" and "Dine for Ethiopia," through which world-class tourist infrastructure destinations have been developed throughout the country unde r the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "Our heritage defines us," said the minister. "Through partnerships like this, we aim to preserve our past while building a prosperous future for Ethiopia." She also recognized the importance of international cooperation, recalling the 2019 agreement between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and French President Emmanuel Macron to restore the historic Lalibela churches.Minister Barrot expressed France's deep respect for Ethiopia's heritage, citing a reference to the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy, one of the world's most famous fossils. "Our shared history in archaeology and paleontology has enriched both our nations," he remarked. He returned two bifaces and a stone chopper from the Melka Kunture site, which had been in France for study, symbolizing the continued collaboration between Ethiopian and French scientists. The ceremony underscored the ongoing joint efforts to renovate key heritage sites, including the National Museum, Lalibela churches, and the N ational Palace, all supported by French institutions like AFD and Expertise France. "This project reaffirms our commitment to preserving Ethiopia's heritage and demonstrates the strength of our 127-year-long bilateral relationship," Barrot added.The launch of the "Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia" project signifies a new chapter in Ethio-French relations, with both nations dedicated to preserving Ethiopia's rich cultural legacy for future generations.