The official opening ceremony of the Eid-to-Eid Great Ethiopian Homecoming is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Friendship park in the presence of leaders of high-level government and religious institutions.
In delivering opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen thanked the Ethiopian Diaspora for positively responding to the national call.
He underscored the role of the diaspora in activating the economy, promoting the national image and resisting and protesting undue external pressures, among others.
Condemning the recent incident in Gondar, he said the longstanding and exemplary religious co-existence and social cohesion among Ethiopians should be promoted and maintained.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also noted that the Affairs of the Ethiopian Diaspora are given priority in crafting the Foreign Policy and reforming institutions in the country.
State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, Addis Ababa city mayor, Adanech Abebe, and the President of the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Omar Idris and other dignitaries were in attendance.