Kin Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising Art Troupe Performs in Moscow to Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy

Addis Ababa, September 14, 2025 (FMC) — Kin Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising Art Troupe staged its second cultural performance in Russia with a vibrant showcase at the Philharmonic Hall in Moscow, highlighting Ethiopia’s artistic heritage and strengthening cultural ties with Russia.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the evening drew a diverse audience, including Russian citizens, members of the diplomatic community, and Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin residing in the Russian Federation.

In her opening remarks, Nefisa Almehadi, State Minister of Culture and Sport of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized the century-old cultural cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia. She also extended New Year greetings to Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia, and congratulated them on the successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The program featured a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, followed by performances that celebrated the country’s cultural diversity. More than 70 artists and dancers presented music and dance from Ethiopia’s over 80 Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples, alongside an old Russian song and an acrobatic circus show, offering the audience a memorable blend of traditions.

Genet Teshome Jirru (PhD), Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, also took the occasion to meet Amharic language students from Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and Moscow State University (MGU). He encouraged them to continue their studies and strengthen their skills in learning Amharic.

The event attracted notable media attention, with coverage by TV BRICS, Russia Today, and more than 15 social media influencers. At the conclusion, Ambassador Genet and other participants shared their reflections, underlining Ethiopia’s initiative to use cultural diplomacy as a bridge to deepen cooperation with BRICS countries, particularly Russia.