The Office for Government Communications Affairs (OGCA) said Ethiopia's federalism system has been getting recognition at the international level.

OGCA Minister Bereket Simon made the remark at the opening of a workshop organized in Addis Ababa on Thursday under theme “Communicators and the role of media in federal system”.

Bereket said the selection Ethiopia to host the 5th International Conference on Federalism (ICF) shows the worldwide recognition of the country's federal system.

The country is finalizing preparation to host the event the minister said, adding, the Office for the 5th ICF has been working to create awareness on the changes brought about in Ethiopia as a result of the federal system.

Bereket said maintaining democracy in Ethiopia means empowering its nations, nationalities and peoples giving recognition to their identity.

A lot has been done in the efforts to give recognition to language, culture and history of the nations, nationalities and peoples of the country during the past 19 years, he said.

The minister said the process of building federal system is not differentiated from freedom of expression and enabling citizens become aware of their rights and duties.

He said communicators and media practitioners have been contributing significant share in the efforts to strengthen the federal system in the country.

Director General of the Office for the 5th ICF, Solomon Tadesse for his part said the conference is a forum to promote existing peace and democracy in Ethiopia.

The three-day conference to be held in Addis Ababa is pride not only for Ethiopia but also for Africa, he said

ETV Reports