Africa Day celebrated in Seoul, South Korea

Addis Ababa  June 12 , 2012 (WIC) -The newly opened Ethiopian Embassy in South Korea and Ethiopians residing in that country took part in a program organized recently to celebrate Africa Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

On the occasion South Korea's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kim Sung-Hwan said the relation between Korea and Africa is getting strengthened.
The Minister said the Africa-South Korea Cooperation Forum is significantly contributing in the efforts to enhance the relation.

Traditional music and dance of nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia were staged while different cuisine and Ethiopian coffee ceremony displayed on the occasion.

Ethiopian investment and tourism sites won admiration at the event, which created opportunity to promote good images of the country, according to the ministry.
Ethiopia sent troops as part of the United Nation Forces to aid South Korea during the Korean War, which took place from 1950–1953. The troops were known as the Kagnew Battalion under the command of General Mulugueta Bulli.

The Kagnew Battalions were three successive battalions drawn from the 1st Division Imperial Bodyguard. The name Kagnew referred to the reconnaissance element in the military parlance of the Ethiopian Armed Forces.

Ethiopia, the origin of coffee, has its own unique coffee ceremony.

Ethiopia's coffee ceremony is an integral part of their social and cultural life. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect and is an excellent example of Ethiopian hospitality.

Kaffa region in Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The word ‘Coffee’ is derived from Kaffa. The region is located south west of Addis Ababa.

Africa Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 25th. Its aim is to celebrate African diversity and success and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent. Source: Xinhua