(C) Dessie Dalkie DUKAMO (Dr) / Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia to the ROK.

As my term as Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea comes to an end, I cannot help but reflect not just on the passage of time but on an exceptional journey of learning, partnership, and common purpose. Diplomatic postings are usually measured by years, talks, agreements, or formal visits. Their real worth resides in the relationships they establish, the understanding they breed, and the bridges they make between peoples and nations.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve in the Republic of Korea. I have had the distinction of representing Ethiopia, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and Africa’s most distinguished symbol of independence, in a country whose modern history is one of the most astonishing stories of transformation in the chronicles of humanity. My experience living and working in both countries has strengthened my belief that geography may divide people, but shared aspirations for peace, wealth, dignity, and progress unite them.

A friendship forged throughout history

The relationship between Ethiopia and the Republic of Korea runs much deeper than diplomatic formality. It is based on history, sacrifice, and mutual respect.

More than 70 years ago, as war broke out on the Korean Peninsula, Ethiopia responded to the international community's call and sent the courageous Kagnew Battalion. Those brave Ethiopian troops battled with extraordinary courage in the struggle for freedom and peace. Their sacrifices have cemented a partnership that continues to inspire future generations in both countries.

In my time here, I saw how much Koreans still respect this shared heritage. Visits to memorial sites, commemorative ceremonies, and interactions with veterans, scholars, and ordinary citizens reminded me that true friendship is based not only on shared interests but also on shared experiences and lasting gratitude.

Our bilateral relations today have grown far beyond where they began historically. Political discussion has become more robust, economic cooperation has been expanded, educational exchanges have grown, and people-to-people ties continue to thrive. What started as solidarity in hard times has grown into a dynamic partnership for shared development.

Finding Korea Outside of the Economic Miracle

Before coming to Seoul, I appreciated Korea's amazing economic achievements, as did many observers worldwide. But life in Korea revealed a richer, deeper story than economic numbers could tell.

In a single generation, the Republic of Korea has changed from a war-ravaged land to one of the world’s top economies, technical innovators and cultural influencers. This extraordinary adventure was no accident. It was built on visionary leadership, investment in education, disciplined institutions, technical innovation, social cohesiveness, and, above all, the unflinching determination of its people to build a better future.

Maybe the most inspiring lesson is not what Korea did, but how it achieved it. The Korean experience tells us that growth begins with people, their values and goals, their work ethic and commitment to communal advancement. Roads, factories and digital infrastructure matter, but they are ultimately the results of human capital, capable institutions and a common national vision.

As an Ethiopian, these lessons hit home. Ethiopia itself is endowed with a rich cultural legacy, huge development potential and vast natural resources. It has a young population. Korea’s experience gives us hope that dramatic change is achievable when countries persistently invest in their people and pursue long-term development with dedication and solidarity.

Diplomacy as a Human Link

One of the supreme privileges of diplomatic service is the opportunity to meet people from every walk of life.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting with senior government officials, members of parliament, business leaders, academics, university presidents, students, cultural personalities, entrepreneurs, members of the diplomatic corps, and many friends of Ethiopia. Each meeting confirmed a simple truth: diplomacy is ultimately about people.

Governments make accords. People make them work, as partnerships. Universities build networks of knowledge. Businesses create jobs and investment. Researchers make new things. Artists promote cultural understanding. Students are future ambassadors of friendship.

I was particularly happy to witness rising collaboration between Ethiopian and Korean institutions, more educational opportunities for Ethiopian students, stronger academic partnerships, and a greater interest among Korean academics in Ethiopia’s history, culture and growth.

Korean enterprises' engagement with us also reflected a growing recognition of Ethiopia's potential. Ethiopia’s strategic position, developing infrastructure, large young workforce and commitment to economic change offer great opportunities for mutually beneficial investment and trade. Strengthening these commercial links will remain key to the future development of both countries.

Lessons from Korea's Development Experience

And among the lessons I will take back, Korea’s commitment to rural transformation will hold a special place.

The Saemaul Undong, or New Village Movement, demonstrates how community engagement, self-help, dedication, and cooperation can become powerful engines of national growth. It worked closely with local people to better their lives instead of relying exclusively on government assistance.

For Ethiopia, where agriculture remains essential to the economy and most of the population lives in rural areas, these ideas remain highly relevant. Citizens as partners in development are not passive recipients; this is the most sustainable approach.

And Korea's continuous commitment to education has been equally astounding. The foundation of any successful civilization is in the quality of its human resources. Korea’s university, research, and innovation ecosystem has become a driver of economic competitiveness by putting knowledge at the heart of national development.

These experiences have reinforced my conviction that Ethiopia's future success will depend not only on physical infrastructure but also on developing education, research, technology, innovation, institutional capacity, and good governance.

Celebrating our joint accomplishments

I was fortunate to witness significant milestones in Ethiopia-Korea ties during my term. High-level exchanges, increased development cooperation, expanded dialogue on trade and investment, cultural initiatives, academic alliances, and bolstered public diplomacy strengthened our bilateral relationship.

One of the most satisfying parts of my service was the opportunity to engage with Korean universities, think tanks, businesses and public institutions to share Ethiopia’s history, investment possibilities, reform agenda and development objectives. I was constantly encouraged by the real interest, goodwill, and respect demonstrated for Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian community in Korea was equally impressive. Students, professionals, businesses, workers and families have become living links between our two countries. Through their hard work, perseverance and success, they contribute to the society of Korea as well as the international image and future development of Ethiopia.”

Beyond Diplomacy: My Personal Journey

All diplomatic postings take their toll on those who serve. Korea has done that for me, for sure.

I depart this lovely country with a great regard for its people. Their kindness, discipline, hospitality, respect for education, and devotion to excellence have moved me. I have also come to admire the fine balance that Korea maintains between honoring its extensive cultural past and embracing the forefront of modernity.

Walking through old palaces alongside ultramodern skyscrapers, seeing old customs flourishing with high technology, and witnessing history and modernity co-existing have been instructive lessons in national identity in an ever-changing world.

My time in Korea has only reinforced my belief that diplomacy is more than just managing relations between countries. It is building mutual understanding, friendship, and trust among people. It involves listening as much as it demands speaking, learning as much as it requires representing, and building bridges that last long after official duties end.

Looking Ahead

My diplomatic mission is coming to an end, but my hope for the future of Ethiopia-Korea ties has never been higher.

The assets of our two countries are complementary, and there are huge chances for us to work together. Korea’s expertise in industrialization, digital transformation, education, renewable energy, manufacturing, smart agriculture and innovation will continue to benefit Ethiopia’s economic reforms and sustainable development efforts immensely.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, offers South Korea growing potential for investment, trade, regional connectivity, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchange. Together, we can forge alliances that will contribute not just to our two nations but to peace, stability and prosperity across Africa and Asia.

The best bridges between nations are not created on official accords, but on lasting relationships between citizens, universities, businesses, academics, artists and young people. These links will continue to shape the next chapter of Ethiopia-Korea relations.

A Grateful Goodbye

I depart the Republic of Korea with heartfelt thanks.

I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for their friendship, cooperation and warm welcome. I appreciate my colleagues of the diplomatic community, Korean institutions, universities, enterprises and the many individuals whose friendship made my stay so rich.

I also thank the Ethiopian community in Korea. Your achievements, dedication, and commitment to our motherland continue to strengthen the ties between our two countries further.

Diplomatic postings have a way of ending. True friendships survive. As I leave Seoul, I take with me many memories, enduring friendships, lessons and a reinforced conviction on the endless opportunities for Ethiopia-Korea cooperation.

Geographically, our two nations are apart, yet historically we are together. We have common values, mutual respect and common objectives. I leave with the confidence that the bridge we have continued to build together will sustain even greater cooperation in the generations to come.

For me, this is not just a goodbye to the ROK. It’s a celebration of an extraordinary relationship and the beginning of a lifelong connection with a country and people who will always have a special place in my heart.

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