Fitsum Arega

Fitsum Arega Gebrekidan is an Ethiopian diplomat who is the current Ethiopian Ambassador to Canada. and also served as Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States. He presented his credentials to Governor General of Canada Mary Simon in September 2022.

Early life and education Fitsum was born and raised in Addis Ababa, and received his higher education in the United Kingdom. He attended the University of Manchester, where he received a master's degree in Development Economics and Policy Management. He later received an MBA degree from Open University (OU) Business School, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Birmingham.

Diplomatic career

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam In 2020, Fitsum opposed reported plans by the United States government to cut funding to Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He described the dam as a project that "will pull Ethiopia out of darkness".

Fitsum celebrated reports that the U.S. would restore aid to Ethiopia in February 2021, reiterated his support for the GERD. Fitsum claimed it would help provide electricity to 60 million people and boost environmental efforts.

American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee In 2021, Fitsum announced the establishment of the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC). The stated purpose of the newly-formed organization is to entrench the bilateral relationship between the United States and Ethiopia.