Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - October 07, 2024

The two houses of the Ethiopian parliament on Monday appointed Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie as the new president of the country.

The appointment followed the end of the term of current President Sahle-Work Zewde after six years of service as the country's head of state.

The newly-appointed president was sworn in on Monday before members of Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives and House of Federation as the new leader of Africa's second most populous nation.

Ethiopia, which operates under a parliamentary political system, grants its president largely ceremonial powers. The president's term of office is six years and can be re-elected once.

In the annual national plan presented to the parliament after the inauguration ceremony, Atske Selassie said Ethiopia had achieved an economic growth rate of 8.1 percent in the just-concluded fiscal year despite internal and external challenges.

Atske Selassie also highlighted Ethiopia's relationship with China, calling it an exemplary partnership that should continue to be strengthened.

Atske Selassie also stressed that Ethiopia's accession to the BRICS membership is a major diplomatic achievement and a key step in ensuring political, economic and social interests and balancing the country's international relations.

Shotlist:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Oct 7, 2024:
1. Various of parliament election of new president of Ethiopia in progress, attendees voting;
2. Various of inauguration ceremony of newly-appointed president Taye Atske Selassie in progress, attendees applauding;
3. Various of Atske Selassie speaking, attendees listening;
4. SOUDNBITE (Amharic) Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopian President:
"In terms of bilateral relations, Ethiopia's relationship with China has been elevated to an unwavering all-weather strategic partnership while safeguarding our national interests.";
5. Various of attendees;
6. SOUDNBITE (Amharic) Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopian President:
"Ethiopia's official entry into the BRICS mechanism opens the door for Ethiopia to gain significant political, economic and social advantages, while further strengthening our balanced engagement with global partners.";
7. Meeting in progress.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]