Embassies, partners and diplomats extend New Year greetings to Ethiopians
Addis Ababa, September 11, 2025 (FMC) – Embassies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and envoys based in Addis Ababa have joined Ethiopians in marking the arrival of the 2018 Ethiopian New Year, extending warm wishes for peace, prosperity, and continued progress.
Ethiopians ushered in Enkutatash today, the country’s traditional New Year celebration, which falls on September 11 (or September 12 in a leap year) in the Gregorian calendar. The occasion was met with messages of solidarity and goodwill from across the diplomatic and international community.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga expressed hope that the year ahead would serve as a time to “renew our hopes and strengthen our bonds.” Similarly, the Russian Embassy wished Ethiopians happiness and prosperity in the new year.
The Embassy of Israel conveyed its greetings, wishing peace, love, growth, and prosperity for Ethiopians, while reaffirming Israel’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and cooperation with Ethiopia.
Armenian Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan shared his heartfelt message by describing Ethiopia as a “special country with 13 months of sunshine.” He highlighted the beauty of Ethiopia’s cultural traditions, from festive foods to colorful attire, and underscored the enduring friendship between Armenia and Ethiopia, which he said has “stood the test of time.”
Luke Bullock, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, reflected on the strengthening of Ethiopia–UK relations over the past year. He reaffirmed his country’s readiness to expand cooperation in areas such as climate change, trade, and refugee support.
The Australian Embassy also wished Ethiopians a year of peace and happiness, while the Delegation of the European Union sent greetings of peace, prosperity, and continued progress.
Other embassies, including those of Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, France, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Luxembourg, Finland, Türkiye, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and India, also conveyed their best wishes. The embassies of China and Ghana, along with Ethiopia’s regional and global partners, shared similar messages of solidarity.
International organizations and institutions such as the United Nations in Ethiopia, UNFPA, UNICEF, IOM, WFP, ILO Horn of Africa, the ICRC, the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC), the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), and the LAPSSET Corridor Program also joined in sending goodwill messages.
Senior officials likewise extended greetings, including Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana; Nicolas Simard, Canada’s Ambassador-Designate to Ethiopia; Mexican Ambassador Alejandro Estivill; AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Amb. Bankole Adeoye; and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
These messages of goodwill underscored Ethiopia’s close ties with its diplomatic partners and highlighted the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect that marks Ethiopia’s place in the international community.