Addis Ababa, July 23, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie today bid farewell to the outgoing ambassadors of Zambia and Tunisia, Rose Kashembe Sakala and Abdelhamid Gharbi, respectively, acknowledging their significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia.
During the meeting, President Taye expressed his sincere gratitude for the ambassadors’ dedicated efforts in advancing cooperation and deepening ties between their countries and Ethiopia throughout their tenure.
The departing ambassadors reflected on their time in Ethiopia, highlighting the country’s remarkable progress toward comprehensive development.
They also emphasized Ethiopia’s important role as the headquarters of the African Union and a continental leader.
Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who attended the farewell meeting, noted that Ethiopia maintains multifaceted relations with both Zambia and Tunisia.
He added that President Taye conveyed his appreciation for the ambassadors’ valuable contributions to bilateral relations over the years.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s relationship with Zambia, Ambassador Zerihun described it as historically continuous and deeply rooted in the shared struggle for independence.
He acknowledged Ambassador Sakala’s pivotal role in further strengthening these longstanding ties during her tenure.
Regarding Tunisia, Ambassador Zerihun praised Ambassador Gharbi as a dedicated diplomat who, over his five-year service in Ethiopia, worked diligently to elevate bilateral relations.
He also noted significant progress in expanding trade ties and establishing multilateral cooperation platforms between the two countries.
Outgoing Zambian Ambassador Rose Kashembe Sakala described her farewell meeting with President Taye as a privilege. “His message of continued Pan-Africanism, collaboration, and cooperation between Ethiopia and Zambia resonates deeply,” she said. “Our friendship dates back to before 1964 and has grown stronger over the years across various levels—from grassroots to high-level engagements. Africa truly needs such cooperation.”
Outgoing Tunisian Ambassador Abdelhamid Gharbi praised Ethiopia as a vibrant nation inspiring all African Union member states. “I expressed to President Taye my admiration for Ethiopia’s leadership, especially the wisdom of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,” he said. “During my tenure, I witnessed remarkable transformation in Ethiopia within a year, driven by magnificent projects.”
Ambassador Gharbi specifically lauded the corridor development projects underway in Addis Ababa and other parts of the country as emblematic of Ethiopia’s dynamic progress.