Today, I was honored to meet Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) in his office. Honorable Carl sits on the House Appropriations Committee and also member of the House Natural Resources Committee. I made briefing on key issues related to US-Ethiopia bilateral relations, economic development, peace and stability situations in the Horn of Africa and some of the constraints like AGOA exclusion and its impact on livelihood of poor people particularly on Women and Young people. #Ethiopia is historically a close ally of USA with over 120 years of diplomatic relations. It is vital to advance the bilateral relationship of our two nations to strategic partnership level.

Yesterday, at the UN High Level Political Forum, I participated on the dialogue of Energy Transition, Climate Change and Achieving SDGs, by presenting Keynote paper focusing on Africa
In the recent study of GEIDCO Africa lags behind in most development indices, but has large renewable energy potential and youth that can help leapfrog. Four priorities I suggested:
- Developing the high renewable energy potential
- Creat regional and ultimately continental power grid, without neglecting off grid solutions, to maximize interconnectivity, efficiency, utilization factor and curb shortage
- Leave no one behind in achieving energy access, and should reach out the 600Miion energy deprived Africans
- Maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of energy development and access through capital mobilization.

We, Ethiopians, Achieved Centuries-Old Dreams
Today, we are on the eve of the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that marks the realization of a vision held by generations of Ethiopians. For centuries, the people of Ethiopia have dreamed of harnessing the power of the Abbay (Blue Nile) to fuel national development, energize transformation and improve livelihoods. This monumental project, finally coming to fruition, symbolizes our national pride and sovereignty. It is a testament to Ethiopia’s determination to utilize its natural resources responsibly and equitably for the benefit of its citizens and the broader region.

We Have Not Achieved This Result Overnight but Overcome Numerous Odds!
The journey to this moment has been long and challenging. Ethiopia faced international skepticism, economic constraints, and geopolitical pressures from various quarters. Technical challenges, security concerns, and complex negotiations with downstream countries added layers of complexity. Despite all these obstacles, our steadfast commitment, resilience, and innovative spirit enabled the country to progress forward and reach this historic milestone.

The GERD stands not only as an engineering marvel but as a symbol of overcoming adversity through perseverance.
As we have been all along saying, it is built with Ethiopian sweat and blood to benefit not only #Ethiopia, but also the people of African in the region to access clean energy including multiple benefits to immediate downstream countries.
Congratulations to All Fellow Ethiopians who made this possible and those friends of Ethiopia and Africa’s development for enduring support.

መልካም አዲስ አመት!! ይህ 2018ኛው አዲስ ዓመት: ታላቁ ህዳሴ ግድባችንን በማጠናቀቅ ትልቅ ውጤት ያገኘንበት የአመት መባቻ ነው::
Happy Ethiopian New Year. We celebrate the New Year with sweet and momentous achievement of completing the #GERD.