The newly appointed Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Meron Tadesse Mamo, has pledged to strengthen the airline’s contribution to closer people-to-people, tourism and business ties between Uganda and Ethiopia.
Meron was appearing at the Hibir Ken, or Unity in Diversity Day, celebration, an event that brought together Ethiopian nationals, people of Ethiopian descent and friends of Ethiopia.
The celebration, held under the theme “Diversity: The Ornament of Ethiopia,” showcased Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the strong relations between Uganda and Ethiopia.
Meron participated in the event by presenting an Ethiopian Airlines free round-trip ticket to a lucky participant in a raffle that added excitement to the celebrations.
Speaking to Plus News after the event, Meron said Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to connecting Uganda with Ethiopia and the wider world while supporting trade, tourism and other forms of cooperation.
She said the airline sees Uganda as an important market and intends to continue providing reliable connectivity for passengers travelling between the two countries and beyond.
“Ethiopian Airlines is committed to strengthening the connection between Uganda and Ethiopia. We want to continue providing reliable connectivity that supports tourism, trade, business and people-to-people relations between our two countries and across Africa,” Meron said on Sunday.
The Hibir Ken celebration also provided an opportunity for Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen its engagement with the Ethiopian community and Ugandan partners.
The event featured traditional Ethiopian dances, music, poetry, a coffee ceremony and a dinner combining Ethiopian cuisine with modern dishes.
It also raised close to US$3,000 through fundraising activities aimed at supporting people affected by natural and man-made disasters in Ethiopia.
The event was attended by Kampala Central Division Mayor and NRM Kampala Central Division Chairperson Salim Saad Uhuru, Uganda Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Olive Z. Kigongo, Uganda Tourism Association President Yogi Birigwa and Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, among other guests.