Addis Ababa: New Foreign Minister Gedion Thimoteos reasserted the commitment of Ethiopia to continue and build upon the country's history of principled diplomacy. The 31st Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Gedion made a reception today to Ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and international organizations residing in Addis Ababa. During the occasion, the Foreign Minister told diplomats that Ethiopia is a proud African country with a long history of statehood and an ancient civilization. According to Ethiopian News Agency, Gedion emphasized that Ethiopia will strengthen longstanding partnerships and forge new ties. As a country with a developing economy and a very young population, Ethiopia aims to ensure and sustain economic growth and expand opportunities. Gedion noted that to tap into its growth potential, Ethiopia will work with all partners and friends. Gedion stated that Ethiopia will continue to prioritize the region as part of its diplomatic legacy. The FM stressed that Ethiopia shall continue disc harging its strategic responsibilities in the IGAD region. He added that Ethiopia values its role in the Nile River Basin and shall work with all countries of the basin to ensure the Nile is a source of prosperity and friendship for all riparian countries. The Foreign Minister elaborated on the importance Ethiopia attaches to developments in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, noting these areas are centers of global attention due to security and development challenges. Ethiopia will renew cooperation with neighbors in a spirit of good neighborliness and constructive engagement to attain strategic and long-term interests for its people. Gedion highlighted Ethiopia's fraternal relations across the continent, focusing on enhancing people-to-people relations and increasing inter-Africa trade, transportation, and tourism. The country plans comprehensive inter-agency efforts to strengthen ties in these fields with sisterly African countries. Ethiopia aims to advance shared interests and further strengthen its stra tegic partnerships with development partners, expanding age-old relations with a renewed sense of purpose. He noted that Ethiopia's recent economic reforms provide a conducive environment to renew economic partnerships. Ethiopia will look beyond traditional areas of economic diplomacy to engage in technology transfer, scientific cooperation, and robust cultural and artistic collaborations. Gedion stated that Ethiopia, in cooperation with global partners, is destined to play a pivotal role in shaping the 21st century's trajectory. In the evolving global political landscape, Ethiopia will continue its traditional position in support of peace, development, and inclusive multilateralism. The FM pledged to advocate for diplomatic solutions for disputes, emphasizing respect for policy independence and sovereign equality of states. Ethiopia is committed to multilateralism and contributing to African Union initiatives for regional peace, security, and economic integration. With 40 percent of its population under 1 5 years, Ethiopia is described as a young country, which Gedion believes makes it a nation of the future. He affirmed that the 21st century is a time for Africa to rise and take its rightful place in the world, and Ethiopia will exert maximum effort for the realization of Agenda 2063, aiming for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.