“Ethiopia has given the world Arabica coffee, the most coveted variety of coffee, and thus there is no better country to contribute significantly to the Coffee Cluster,” said Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, who led the African delegation and started the celebrations for his country’s National Day at Expo Milano 2015 on Tuesday.
The deputy secretary of the Economy, Paola De Micheli, and the General Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, Bruno Antonio Pasquino, represented Italy.
“Ethiopia is at the root of coffee and much else: this is the theme chosen by this African country for the Universal Exposition,” Adhanom reminded the audience.
“Ours is one of the few developing nations that has worked on the Green Economy program, aiming to have zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2025. A current reforestation plan should increase coverage in 20 years from 3% to 18%.”
“When we discuss the topics for Expo Milano 2015, that is, food and sustainable agriculture for all, we have to recognize that Ethiopia is at the forefront, thanks to its vision and a series of specific policies on these subjects,” stated deputy secretary Paola De Micheli.
“Our objective is to expand and reinforce the economic presence of Italian businesses in Ethiopia, taking advantage of our historic ties and the relationship we have built for years.”
Both delegates remember the visit to Ethiopia by Minister Gentiloni in January 2015 and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in July 2015 as important moments in intensifying the business collaboration between the two countries.
Another important date will be the world conference on coffee in March that will be held in Africa for the first time, as a matter of fact in Addis Ababa.
The evocative rhythms of traditional music accompanied by the strong, modulated voices of the singers with the Ethiopian National Theatre Troupe lent a special atmosphere to the celebrations for this African country.
This was an especially appreciated event, with participation by many Ethiopian nationals living in Italy, especially Ethiopian women with traditional clothing and jewelry.
