Honoring H.E. Ambassador Mehreteab Mulugeta’s Service to the Nordic Ethiopian Community

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending a farewell gathering in Helsinki, Finland, in honour of H.E. Ambassador Mehreteab Mulugeta, marking the completion of his four-year diplomatic mission representing Ethiopia in the Nordic countries.

It was a very special occasion for many of us. In Helsinki, we have rarely experienced a farewell gathering of this kind for an Ethiopian ambassador. The atmosphere reflected not only respect for a diplomat completing his official mission, but also the genuine appreciation and personal connection that Ambassador Mehreteab developed with the Ethiopian community throughout the Nordic region.

What made his service particularly memorable was his human approach to diplomacy. He was accessible, humble and genuinely interested in the people he represented. His engagement with the community went beyond formal diplomatic responsibilities. He listened, encouraged initiatives, participated in community activities and built relationships with people from different professional and social backgrounds.

I experienced this personally on several occasions. One memory that remains especially meaningful to me was during a visit to Stockholm. Despite his position and responsibilities, Ambassador Mehreteab welcomed us with remarkable humility and even invited us to visit his family. It was a simple gesture, but one that showed the person behind the diplomatic title. For me, it demonstrated that leadership and public service can be exercised with both professionalism and humanity.

During the farewell gathering, many people had the opportunity to acknowledge his contribution and express their appreciation. A common message could be heard throughout the speeches: having an ambassador with this level of accessibility, commitment and connection with the community has been exceptional.

Naturally, there was also sadness. After four years of service, Ambassador Mehreteab is leaving the Nordic region and moving to the next chapter of his journey. At the same time, there was a shared hope that the experience and standard he established can serve as a benchmark for future diplomatic engagement with the Ethiopian community in the Nordic countries.

A Special Contribution to the Ethio-Nordic Tech Community

One contribution for which I am particularly grateful is Ambassador Mehreteab’s support for the establishment of the Ethio-Nordic Tech Professionals Association (ENTPA).

From the early stage, when the initiative was still an idea, he understood its potential. He encouraged us, supported the initiative and helped promote it among others. His engagement continued throughout the journey from ideation to the formal establishment of the association.

This mattered because ENTPA was created with a broader purpose: to connect Ethiopian and Ethio-Nordic technology professionals, strengthen professional collaboration and create opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and contribution between the Nordic region and Ethiopia. Having the encouragement of an ambassador who understood the value of professional communities gave additional confidence to the initiative during its formative stage.

As a co-founder and current President of ENTPA, I therefore want to express my sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Mehreteab Mulugeta for believing in and supporting our initiative from the beginning.

Diplomacy Is Ultimately About People

There is also a broader lesson I take from his four years of service.

Diplomacy is naturally about relations between countries, governments and institutions. But behind those relationships are always people. An ambassador can fulfil the formal responsibilities of the position, but the lasting impact often comes from the relationships built, the initiatives encouraged and the people who feel that their voices have been heard. Ambassador Mehreteab demonstrated that these two dimensions do not need to be separated. Professional diplomacy and a human approach can strengthen each other.

Although his official mission in the Nordic countries has now come to an end, I am confident that the relationships established during these years will continue. Geographic distance does not have to end collaboration, friendship or our shared commitment to worthwhile initiatives.

On behalf of myself, and with particular appreciation for his support for ENTPA, I would like to thank H.E. Ambassador Mehreteab Mulugeta for his service, encouragement and engagement with our community.

I wish him and his family every success, good health and fulfilment as they begin their next chapter.

Thank you once again for your service, Your Excellency. Your contribution to the Ethiopian community in the Nordic countries will be remembered.