Former German President Köhler Innaugurates ‘Karl Square’ in Addis Ababa

27 June 2011

press release

Former German President, Horst Köhler, visited Ethiopia on his two-week tour of four African countries, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

The former president has come to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Menschen fuer Menschen in Ethiopia. On the occasion of the inauguration of Karl Square in Addis Ababa on June 23, he lauded the commitment of the founder Karlheinz Boehm – widely known as Karl in Ethiopia – to humanity and the Ethiopian people.

Ethiopia honors Karlheinz Boehm with ‘Karl Square’ “You have a firm place in the history of Ethiopia, a special place – which is why a square in Addis Ababa is being named in your honour today,” Köhler said in his speech.

“Today, 30 years on, you can look back on a fantastic record of lifetime achievements. What you have done has given so much life,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Ato Hailemariam Dessalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Kuma Demeksa, Mayor of Addis Ababa, H.E. Berhan Hailu, Minister of Justice and H.E. Dr. Tewodros Adhanom, Minister of Health as well as by Haile Gebreselassie, Good Will Ambassador for Menschen fuer Menschen.

Former German President Köhler opens a school in Dim Dim, Ethiopia The commitment of the former German president to Africa has been his special concern throughout his time as Germany’s Federal President and Head of the International Monetary Fund. As he stated in his speech: â-û A partnership with Africa is the way forward. In our complex world of the 21st century there is but one common future for us all. Education is key. One of your ambitious projects is called “ABC-2015” – It is to ensure that children learn how to spell the word “future”, to start with! And get opportunities for a better life, the prospect to work as craftspeople, doctors or teachers and move their country forward!”

Köhler also held talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and met with representatives of the Ethiopian Parliament, various Ethiopian and international institutions, the private sector, and artists. He will also travel to the Amhara region to visit projects of the Foundation Menschen fuer Menschen.

Köhler is an economist by profession, prior to his election as President, Köhler had a distinguished career in politics and the civil service and as a banking executive. He was President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from 1998 to 2000 and Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2000 to 2004.

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