A delegation, led by Ambassador Markos Tekle, Ethiopia's Ambassador to Japan has been holding discussions with Ethiopians resident in New Zealand and Australia on topical national issues. The delegation called on the Ethiopian communities to participate fully in the development of their country.

The fora were attended by several hundred Ethiopians and according to a press release issued from the Spokesperson's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, community members subsequently established eight councils in various places to organize purchases of bonds for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Pledges for more than $240,000 dollars were made.

In addition, business and investment committees were established in three Australian cities. During its visits the delegation also held discussioins with high level officials and parliamentarians of both Australia and New Zealand on ways to strenghten bilateral relations and on regional and international issues.