Foreign Affairs State Minister, Ambassador Misganu Arga highlighted the significant progress made in bilateral and multilateral diplomatic endeavors over the past six months to safeguard Ethiopia's national interests. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Misganu emphasized the central focus on Ethiopia's national interests in these efforts. The State Minister underscored the commitment to strengthening partnerships and friendships with various countries, while concurrently ensuring peace and security in the region. Diplomatic initiatives were implemented to facilitate economic ties, particularly with neighboring countries, with a view to fostering mutual benefits. Ambassador Misganu also said that Ethiopia has carried out activities centering on the national interests of the country with relation to the negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Notably, extensive efforts were undertaken to enhance trade and investment relations with numerous countries, reflecting Ethiopia's de dication to expanding its global economic engagement. Furthermore, Ethiopia actively participated in the United Nations General Assembly, employing multilateral diplomatic activities to protect its national interests. The nation's engagement in international forums, including climate change discussions and other common agendas, was characterized by substantial involvement and influence, he said. The State Minister also highlighted Ethiopia's diplomatic achievements resulting from its membership in the BRICS, which has broadened the nation's representation on the international stage. In particular, the successful pursuit of becoming a central hub for the mutual benefit of neighboring countries, thereby securing sea access, was deemed a notable diplomatic triumph, he added. Overall, Ambassador Misganu Arga emphasized the fruitful diplomatic endeavors undertaken in the past six months of Ethiopia's fiscal year, which have effectively safeguarded the national interests of the country and furthered its diplom atic stature in the international arena. Source: Ethiopian News Agency