Over 40 heads of state and government conform AU summit attendance

BY WORKU BELACHEW

ADDIS ABABA- Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it has received  conformation  from 37 presidents, two deputy presidents, three premiers as well as 41 foreign ministers to attend the 20th AU summit and the 22nd ordinary session of the executive council of AU here in Addis Ababa.

Briefing Journalists yesterday Ato Mihreteab Mulugeta, Foreign Ministry  Chief of Protocol, said  among the prestigious guests Ethiopia  will  receive as of coming Thursday include  UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon,  former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, and current Deputy Assistant Secretary on African Affairs, Donald Yamamoto, foreign ministers of various African countries, ministerial level delegations from India, S. Korea, Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and around twenty first ladies.

According him his office has learned that Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Addis Ababa to pass special thanks to African countries for the support they made to his country in getting a non-Member Observer State status in the United Nations.

He also added that current president of the UN general assembly Mr. Vuk Jeremić is also expected  to meet with African leaders.

“A national committee constituted to make a warm reception for the honorable guests has concluded every sort of preparations,” said Mihreteab, adding that he has a full expectations as the usual hospitable behavior of  residents of Addis Ababa will make the summit effective.

Foreign Ministry Spokes Person, Dina Mufti on his part explained as our pan-africanist forefathers has contributed a lot  to make the unity of African countries real and we all are expected to strengthen that sentiment through cooperating in making the up coming  summit effective.

“As you know many roads are under construction in Addis Ababa, and there will be a sort of  inconvenience. However, residents need to be patient as this session has positive implications for the country in terms political, economic and social  spheres ,” added Dina.

It is also stated during the briefing, in the coming Thursday and Friday the Executive Council of AU will  hold its ordinary session and on  Saturday there will be various regional meetings and finally on Sunday and Monday the heads of states and governments will convene their ordinary summit.