Addis ababa: President Taye Atske Selassie bade farewell to Austrian Ambassador Simone Knapp and Czech Ambassador Miroslav Kosek upon the completion of their diplomatic missions in Ethiopia. The President commended the ambassadors for their efforts in strengthening socio-economic and political cooperation between Ethiopia and their respective countries, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to build on the progress achieved.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Austria's Ambassador Knapp expressed gratitude for her four years in the country and described Ethiopia as a nation where she had meaningful interactions throughout her tenure. She highlighted the Austrian-Ethiopian cooperation that facilitated multiple diplomatic and development initiatives, including efforts that brought over 25 Austrian companies to Ethiopia. These companies have been exploring partnerships, supported by Ethiopia's ongoing economic reforms.
Ambassador Knapp emphasized the strong people-to-people connections, long-standing university cooperation, and growing cultural links, including artistic exchanges involving both Austrian and Ethiopian musicians. She noted the over 120 years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Austria and highlighted the potential to deepen ties, particularly in business.
Ambassador Kosek reflected on his four-year mission, describing it as fruitful in strengthening bilateral relations. He noted progress in business and culture that introduced Ethiopia to Central Europe while promoting it as a tourism destination. The Ambassador described Ethiopia as a strategic partner for the Czech Republic in Africa, focusing on expanding cooperation and promoting technology exchange in sectors such as e-mobility, hydrogeology, and health.