The appointment of Hailemariam Desalegn as minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a position which had been much speculated about prior to his assumption of it, surprised many political pundits, including members of the diplomatic community, most of whom had not had any interaction with him before.

To remedy the situation, a cocktail reception was organised by MoFA to informally introduce Hailemariam to the diplomatic community at the Sheraton Addis on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, where he stood in a corner of the Lalibella Ballroom to personally greet everyone.

“This is not intended to be a substitute for more formal and extended discussions that I [am planning and looking] forward to having with you all,” Hailemariam said in his welcoming remarks.

Many in attendance followed what the new head of the country’s MoFA said with some taking notes of the office’s priority agendas and Hailemariam’s personal principles. Sudan and Somalia were at the top of the agenda due to the impact that the volatility of the situations in these countries has on Ethiopia.

“[The effects of] what happens in Sudan will by no means be limited to the people of Sudan,” he said. “What goes on in Sudan has continental implications, for good or ill.”

The situation in Somalia is the same with its impact extending far beyond the regional level, according to Hailemariam.

“The period ahead of us is extremely critical to the region, Africa, and the international community in general,” he said. “Somalia is not yet out of the woods either; the challenge there continues to be daunting.”

The ministry is looking for “support” and “understanding” from the international community in these situations, according to the minister who added that it is in the interest of Ethiopia and the other countries.

However, the amount of support the country will get for its Five-year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), he seemed unsure of. The task of obtaining support for the plan is a “diplomatic challenge” and the coming period will be “complex and very difficult,” he said.

The plan was a “Herculean task,” Hailemariam admitted, adding that even though the government will assume primary responsibility for the success of the plan, it counted on the assistance of other countries.

Besides financial support, the country is looking for technology transfer, the minister explained in a sidebar with the media.

Hailemariam has worked as the head of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNP) Regional State as well as the Public Mobilisation and Participation advisor to the Prime Minister. Often referred to as a humble man by those who know him, his competence in high diplomacy is yet to be proven. Yet, some attending diplomats reserved judgment.

“It is too early to say whether Hailemariam is capable enough for the job,” a Western diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous told Fortune.

However, Italian Ambassador Renzo Rosso is confident in the new minister’s ability to execute his responsibilities.

“He demonstrated his capacity notably in his prior internal assignment and I am sure he will make an excellent foreign minister,” he told Fortune.

Showing Hailemariam the ropes for four consecutive days was Seyoum Mesfin, the outgoing foreign minister who has been steering the country’s foreign policy for the past 20 years, according to an official at the MoFA who is not authorised to comment.

The immediate support for Hailemariam comes from Berhane Gebrekiristos, former Ethiopian ambassador to the European Union (EU), who was appointed state minister for MoFA only a day before the reception at the Sheraton. His absence was conspicuous as Hailemariam got to know the diplomatic circle of Addis Abeba.

Hailemariam’s welcoming remarks “were very consistent with the traditional line of Ethiopia,” Rosso said, seemingly satisfied with the new foreign minister’s start.

Regarding international relations, Hailemariam esteems consistency.

“The one thing I cherish most in relations among nations is consistency,” he said. “It in no way prevents pragmatic adjustment to changing situations but is based on principles.”

In addition, his welcoming speech held a promissory note.

“I might sometimes disagree with you and make you unhappy as a result but I shall not mislead you,” he told the audience.

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