The Ministry of Culture and Tourism , MCT , said it is undertaking preparations to stage exhibitions in various European and American cities to promote actual images of the country in connection with the forthcoming Ethiopian the millennium.

State Minister of Culture and Tourism, Tadelech Dalecho said the ministry puts promoting the cultural and tourism resources of the country through out the world.

The millennium festival is a good opportunity to promote the good images of the country, Tadelech said, and added that the ministry has been undertaking massive activities during the current year, aimed at projecting the country's image.

A cultural village that reflects the culture, history and identity of nations and nationalities would be constructed here in Addis Ababa in the coming year, she added.

A huge influx of foreigners and Ethiopian Diaspora is expected for the millennium festivities in Ethiopia, she said, and added those service provision organizations, enterprises and the public at large shoulder huge responsibility to provide efficient service and show hospitality to the millennium guests.

The government has called upon Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin residing abroad to use events marking the new millennium to boost efforts geared to beatf poverty and backwardness, she said.