U.S. Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga arrived in Gondar on Thursday and reaffirmed a seven‑decade partnership with the University of Gondar and local authorities, saying the visit aims to deepen cooperation in education, medical research and trade and to spotlight life‑saving U.S.‑supported health programs in the region. “Our relationship with the University of Gondar is a source of pride and practical impact,” Ambassador Massinga told university leaders, urging continued collaboration to expand tuberculosis and MDR‑TB programs, foster academic exchange and pursue mutually beneficial investment opportunities.
Ambassador Massinga, the United States’ top diplomat to Ethiopia, met with University of Gondar President Dr Asrat Atsedeweyn and toured the Harry S. Truman American Corner at Tewodros Campus, where he praised longstanding academic links that trace back to President Truman’s Point Four program. “This 70‑year partnership has helped build medical capacity and research excellence,” Massinga said, recommending strengthened faculty exchanges, joint research grants, and expanded U.S. technical support to scale up diagnostics and treatment across northwest Ethiopia.
Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn welcomed the Ambassador and described the university’s role as a regional hub for health services and training. “Our collaboration with U.S. partners has been critical in improving patient outcomes and training clinicians,” the university president said, calling for sustained investment in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Referral Hospital and joint projects to combat TB and drug‑resistant forms of the disease.
Gondar Mayor Chalachew Dagnew also formally greeted the delegation, noting the city’s UNESCO‑listed heritage and economic potential. “We appreciate this visit that links cultural preservation with modern development,” Mayor Derete said, inviting American partners to support tourism, infrastructure and higher‑education linkages. During the visit, the Ambassador toured the hospital’s TB wards and observed programs supported by U.S. assistance, commending staff and patients for progress made under cooperative initiatives.
The itinerary included a stop at the Harry S. Truman Library and a cultural tour of Fasil Castle, the 17th‑century fortress that anchors Gondar’s historic core. In remarks at the castle, Ambassador Massinga highlighted opportunities for U.S.–Ethiopian trade and investment in heritage tourism, health services and research collaborations, and urged both governments and private partners to translate goodwill into concrete projects.
Next steps outlined by officials include drafting a joint action plan to expand health partnerships, formalising university exchange agreements, and exploring pilot investments in medical technology and sustainable tourism. “We will build on today’s discussions with concrete commitments,” Ambassador Massinga said, recommending follow‑up technical meetings and proposals to secure funding and launch new collaborative pilots in the coming months.
