Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi inspected the river corridor development from Entoto to Arada in Addis Ababa during the first Italo-Ethiopian forum on construction, infrastructure, and urban solutions. Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe highlighted the event as a key step in bilateral cooperation. Officials emphasized enhanced urban beautification and environmental protection.
Addis Ababa, March 25, 2026 - Maria Tripodi, Italy's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, inspected the river corridor development and environmental protection works from Entoto to Arada in Addis Ababa. The visit coincided with the inaugural Italo-Ethiopian forum on construction, infrastructure, and urban solutions development. Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe, in a social media message, described it as the first such Italo-Ethiopian construction forum. Tripodi stated that the river corridor project elevates the city's level and serves as a model for other areas, noting Italy's interest in collaborating on urban beautification. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide expressed Ethiopia's desire to create stable, continuous economic cooperation. Corridor and river development protection officials called for disciplined administration to ensure the works proceed properly, enhancing the city's beauty, modernity, and tourism appeal. Shaleqa Zerihun Tafara, the authority's principal advisor, said beautification efforts through corridor protection follow a trajectory to make Addis Ababa a clean, green city. Advisor Ato Negatu Dagachew emphasized registering tangible outcomes from ongoing works to sustain results. Officials noted ongoing collaboration with relevant bodies, including discipline analysis officers and para-military personnel, and capacity-building training with the Ethiopian Police University from peripheries to the center. They urged public cooperation to protect green spaces and maintain city beautification.
