Tsegaye informed at a press briefing that 41 heads of State, 48 foreign ministers, and heads of delegations in several capacities participated in the summits.

More than 20,000 foreign and local attendees participated in those events.

The minister specified that Addis Ababa demonstrated the effective use of multilateral and bilateral platforms at several levels to boost its interests.

He highlighted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held key bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries to safeguard national interests, as well as the meetings between Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and his counterparts to enhance cooperation.

He underscored Ethiopia’s capacity to host large conferences and the presence of more than 1,225 media professionals who effectively contributed to boosting the country’s positive image.

The 2nd Italy-Africa Summit took place on February 13 and was co-organized by the Ethiopian and Italian Governments.

Ahmed and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, co-chaired the summit alongside African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

abo/iff/lam/nmr