With the long and rich history between Ethiopia and Armenia, why has there never been an Armenian embassy here before?
Both countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1993 though the first Republic of Armenia (1918-1920) had a consul in Addis Ababa. Armenia always valued its relations with Ethiopia with a shared history of more than a millennium. Friendly ties are based on shared cultural and religious heritage. Ethiopian and Armenian churches are among six Ancient Oriental Orthodox churches. The long-standing presence of Armenian community, a traditional cultural bridge that kept friendly relations alive through centuries with significant contributions to modernizing Ethiopia, is a vivid manifestation of those strong ties.
• Why was it decided to open an Embassy here in Ethiopia?
Addis Ababa was chosen because of friendly historical relations and also because this city is the diplomatic hub of Africa.
• What positive connections and engagements between the two countries do you envision?
We have established good relations with many Ethiopian institutions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs was naturally our first partner and we are grateful for their support and assistance. We see a great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. Let me start with the ICT. Armenian-Swiss company Webb Fontaine has completed this year a first-class automation project for the Ethiopian Customs service through networking 27 customs offices and providing interconnection between Djibouti and Ethiopian customs administrations for enhanced transit monitoring.
We are also implementing high-tech, engineering and innovation projects through Enterprise Foundation Incubator, one of the largest technology business and IT development incubators in the region.
Armenian companies are also testing a Customer Relations Management solutions project in 2 private banks. Additionally, proposals regarding Advanced technology education and Digital education solutions were submitted to respective government authorities in Ethiopia. Another project proposal on Healthcare Management solution is being currently discussed with the host country partners. We are also considering cooperation with Ethiopian academia and government bodies in the field of technological education for youth. Another field of economic cooperation is mining sector. Armenian ZCMC started exploration work this year that should lead to setting up a mining and production plant in the future.
• What have you enjoyed about your experiences here in Ethiopia so far?
Ethiopia is my very first experience in sub-Saharan Africa and I feel lucky to be able to enjoy my work in this wonderful country. I appreciate the deep dedication of Ethiopian people to their cultural heritage, the values that shaped the Ethiopian identity. We, like the Ethiopians, are very much devoted to our roots, our legacy, our land, which in international geographical terms is called Armenian plateau like the Ethiopian Highlands. I do enjoy the openness and ease of Ethiopians and their readiness to come to help whenever needed. And of course the unique Ethiopian cuisine is one of my great discoveries.
• What do you hope will be the most positive achievement of your role and time here?
I will do my best to strengthen our relations with Ethiopia, a very friendly and the only nation in sub-Saharan Africa with whom we have historical relations. We have possibilities to develop those ties; shared vision and mutual trust and sympathy between two peoples. I attach great importance to people-to-people interaction and cultural exchange, particularly having in mind the contribution of Armenians, particularly in modern Ethiopian music (Nalbandian family) and painting (Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian). Both Armenia and Ethiopia are undergoing difficult times in their history. We fully realize the challenges our Ethiopian brothers and sisters are facing nowadays. And we pray that peace and stability return to the blessed Ethiopian soil as soon as possible.
