Addis Ababa: African Union (AU), United Nations (UN) and embassies based in Addis Ababa have conveyed New Year best wishes to the people of Ethiopia. Ethiopians are celebrating the first day of the Ethiopian New Year 2017 today with renewed hope and dedication for their future. The Addis Ababa based diplomatic community has extended New Year best wishes to Ethiopians and expressed optimism for the nation. "???????????? ?????????? ???????? (Happy New Year - in Amharic Language) to all our Ethiopian brothers and sisters celebrating the ?????? ???????? ????????. May this New Year bring good tidings and prosperity to the great nation and people of Ethiopia," according to a statement issued from AU. "As we enter the New Ethiopian Year (2017 E.C.), on behalf of UN Ethiopia, I wish you all a Happy New Year," UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia Ramiz Alakbarov said. Together, let's embrace the New Year with enthusiasm and a shared vision for advancing sustainable and nationally-driven solutions for the people of Ethiopia, he noted. Various embassies based in Addis Ababa including USA, Russia, British and China, among others have also extended New Year wishes to the people of Ethiopia, and expressed optimism for the nation's future. The country has its own unique calendar in the world with 13 months. Each of the 12 months has 30 days. The 13th month, Pagumen, has 5 or 6 days during each leap year. Source: Ethiopian News Agency