Setting the Stage For A Historical First Visit by H.E. Prime Minster Of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed to Washington D.C.

In celebration of the first Ethiopian Prime Minister visit to the United states,  Washington, DC's Mayor Bowser proclaimed July 28, 2018 “Ethiopia Day in DC.” On Saturday July 28, 2018, the Mayor welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where the Prime Minister  addressed more than 25 thousand Ethiopians across the region. Home to more than 300,000 Ethiopian immigrants, the Washington, DC metropolitan area has the largest population of Ethiopia-born constituents in the United States.

Picture Credit Matt Andrea

“The Ethiopian community is such a valued part of our city, and our Ethiopian neighbors have played a critical role in building the diverse, inclusive, and vibrant Washington, DC that we live in today,” said Mayor Bowser. “Now, during this new climate of goodwill and unity, we look forward to reaffirming the Sister City relationship between our two capital cities.” Since 2013, Washington, DC has had a Sister City Agreement and Protocol of Friendship with Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Find the Mayor’s proclamation HERE.

Picture credit Washington Post

The event was truly sensational and felt like a Hollywood epic movie because the attendees came with a true Ethiopian Spirit embellished with their national flags singing, dancing and at times roaring like a lion all 25 thousands of them ! What made this event special is that the prime minster came to U.S to reestablish a strong connection  between Ethiopians in the diaspora and those back home. 

Marta Ali studios is honored to assist the welcoming delegation team via Ethiopian Embassy in Washington D.C. by coordinating the stage design and production as well as fabrication of the official campaign seal for the Grand Rally U.S. tour for PM Abiy Ahmed and his delegation.

Picture credit Matt Andrea