Egypt's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) Mohamed Gad hosted a reception at the Egyptian Embassy in Addis Ababa to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the July 23 Revolution. The event saw the attendance of Ambassador Tordeta Ratabay, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of the AUC Chairperson, alongside numerous ambassadors, diplomatic corps members, representatives of international and regional organizations, private sector companies, media institutions, and members of the Egyptian community in Ethiopia. In his address, Ambassador Gad welcomed the participants, particularly the Egyptian community in Ethiopia, and underscored the significance of the July 23, 1952, Revolution in modern Egyptian history. He described it as a source of inspiration for African, Arab, and Asian nations, highlighting the revolution's major achievements in various developmental fields. He emphasised the continued adherence to its principles in maintaining the cohesion, identity, and stability of the Egyptian state amid regional conflicts and challenges. Ambassador Gad also highlighted the exceptional relations between Egypt and Africa, noting the alignment of this national celebration with the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity Summit hosted in Cairo in 1964. He discussed the frameworks of Egyptian support and bilateral cooperation programmes with African countries through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and Egyptian companies in Africa. Additionally, he highlighted Egypt's activities within the African Union, its sustainable approach to peace and security, the President of Egypt's leadership in post-conflict reconstruction and development, and his current chairmanship of the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD) Steering Committee. Egypt's current membership in the African Union Peace and Security Council, aimed at enhancing the agenda for peace, security, and development on the continent, was also noted. Ambassador Gad concluded his speech by stressing the importance of African nations drawing inspiration from the revolution's principles to face contemporary challenges and protect the continent's interests. Ambassador Ratabay, in his speech, emphasised Egypt's historically influential role in Africa, recognising Egypt as one of the founders of the Organization of African Unity and the host of the organisation's first summit outside Addis Ababa in 1964. He praised Egypt's ongoing support for the African Union, noting its significant contributions to the Union's budget and the provision of its human resources to serve the Union in various fields. Ratabay affirmed Egypt's crucial role as a cornerstone of security and development in Africa and as a supporter of unified African positions on international issues. As part of efforts to promote tourism destinations in Egypt, the celebration included a raffle for participants, offering four free airline tickets to Egypt in collaboration with the EgyptAir office in Addis Ababa.
