Ethiopia’s Heritage and Hospitality Leave Lasting Impression on Diplomatic Football Delegation

Addis Ababa, June 14, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, historical legacy and renowned hospitality have left a lasting impression on members of a diplomatic football delegation who toured some of Addis Ababa’s most prominent historical and cultural landmarks.

Organized in connection with the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, the diplomatic football event brought together teams from the diplomatic community and invited guests, who later visited the Ethiopian National Museum, the Adwa Victory Memorial and Addis Sport Park.

The tour offered participants an opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s historical legacy and witness the country’s ongoing development, with many saying the experience transformed their perception of the country.

Gordon Johnson, one of the participants, spoke warmly of the welcome extended to the delegation and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

“The people are so welcoming and friendly. I love the culture,” he said.

Recalling the visit to the Ethiopian National Museum, Johnson added: “We had a tour of the museum, and the guide showed us hominid fossils recovered in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’90s that date back millions of years.”

He said the visit offered a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s historical significance, extending far beyond common contemporary perceptions.

Cameroonian guest Loic Kovamo also said the visit had completely changed her previous impression of Ethiopia.

“I am speechless because I didn’t picture Ethiopia like this. It’s a very developed country, and the people are so proud of who they are,” she said.

Kovamo added that she would return home “with a lot of pride as an African” after learning about the remarkable courage and resilience of the Ethiopian people.

Mark Hayes, another participant, said his experience in Addis Ababa had exceeded his expectations.

“You have a perception before you come, but it’s the complete opposite. It’s an amazing country,” he said.

Hayes added that he intends to share his experience after returning to the United Kingdom.

“What we do now is go home and tell stories about how good Ethiopia is. I feel like a proud advocate,” he said, adding that he would help others in England better understand what he had witnessed during his visit to Addis Ababa.

Joseph Kirule, who works with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Addis Ababa, said the sites visited showcased Ethiopia’s remarkable contribution to human civilization, local newswire service reported.

“Today we saw different milestones in human civilization that originated here,” he said.

Kirule also highlighted the significance of the Victory of Adwa, describing it as “a massive milestone that raises our prestige as Africans.”

Participants said the visit gave them a deeper appreciation of Ethiopia’s history, cultural richness and enduring contribution to Africa’s shared heritage, while reinforcing the country’s image as a welcoming destination with a unique historical legacy.