ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen has emphasized the need for Ethiopian embassies abroad to expand and enhance their diplomatic activities. This initiative is aimed at elevating Ethiopia's global standing and international relations.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who addressed ambassadors and heads of missions at the conclusion of their annual retreat, there is an expectation for embassies to engage in a broad range of activities. These efforts are intended to increase Ethiopia's international visibility and acceptance, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations with other countries and expand its multilateral diplomacy.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, also briefed the media about the two-week-long annual retreat held in Addis Ababa. Alem highlighted that during the meeting, it was noted that Ethiopia is progressing towards achieving significant results in the field of diplomacy.

Ambassador Alem mentioned that Ethiopia's diplomatic ties with various countries are strengthening. He stated that continuous efforts will be made to bolster Ethiopia's international visibility, influence, and acceptance.

In line with these objectives, Ethiopian ambassadors are charged with the responsibility of fulfilling their duties to elevate the country's diplomacy to a higher level. This strategic approach aims to ensure Ethiopia's national interests are effectively represented and advanced on the global stage.

Addis Ababa - In a recent development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an unexpected visit to Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC), a key player in the Ethiopian media industry. The prime minister's visit to FBC, which is striving to lead in all segments of the Ethiopian media sector, was unannounced and forms part of his ongoing series of surprise inspections.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Prime Minister Abiy began his visit by touring the new expansion projects at the FBC headquarters. He inspected the newly constructed studio, designed for hosting entertainment programs and interactive platforms. This new facility is expected to enhance Fana Broadcasting Corporate's capabilities significantly. Prime Minister Abiy expressed his satisfaction with the progress, noting that such developments represent a new beginning for FBC. He praised the media house's efforts to evolve and improve its offerings.

During his visit, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation in the media industry and its impact on society. He emphasized the importance of media reform in addressing these challenges, stating that his government has prioritized and reformed the sector to mitigate potential damages. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a narrative change in media to foster unity and reconciliation in Ethiopia, pointing out the current issues with polarized and exclusionary narratives.

Fana Broadcasting Corporate, known for popular programs like "Fana Lamrot", a singing-talent contest, stands to benefit from the new studio. This upgrade will enable FBC to produce and transmit higher quality content. Prime Minister Abiy remarked on the importance of media institutions in shaping narratives and indicated that the reforms underway in Ethiopia's media industry are starting to yield positive results. He expressed optimism that as these institutions grow stronger, destructive ideologies will diminish.

Prime Minister Abiy's visit underscores his government's commitment to supporting and reforming the media industry, ensuring it plays a constructive role in Ethiopian society.