Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Addis Fortune) — British Council Ethiopia’s new two story building on Comoros Street around the British Embassy has been officially opened in the presence of over 300 invited guests and members, on June 4, 2009.

This year marks the 75th year of the council’s work in cultural relations. The move in to the new building, within the premise of the Embassy, is being made to expand the service of the council and to commemorate the anniversary.

To celebrate the opening of the building along with the 75th anniversary, it organized a series of events from last Friday May 29, 2009 to next Saturday June 6, 2009, according to a press release the council sent to Fortune. The council has been in Ethiopia since 1943.

To celebrate UK’s contribution to modern education, a workshop was organized on higher education. Participants included members of the Ministry of Education, Educational institutions and civil society organizations. From May 30, 2009 to June 2, 2009, the council planned to broadcast a prize winning quiz on UK-Ethiopia relations on Radio Fana (May 30 and 31, 2009), nationally and on Sheger 102.1 on June 1 and 2, 2009.

The British Council National Archives and Library Agency (NALA) Partnership Library, located in the new NALA building, is expected to be officially opened on June 1, 2009, while on Tuesday June 2, 2009, the council plans to hold professional development sessions on leadership and communication skills expected to be attended by over a 100 people.

A panel discussion on the current status of English language instruction in Ethiopia, on June 6, 2009, will be broadcasted nationally on Radio Fana.