ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia on Wednesday held state funeral for former president Girma Wolde-Giorgis in the presence of high level Ethiopian and foreign dignitaries.
The former President's funeral was attended by various high level dignitaries including Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Wolde-Giorgis, who was the East African country's president for more than a decade, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94.
Wolde-Giorgis had been Ethiopia's president from 2001 to 2013. He had also performed various state duties throughout the country in different capacities for close to six decades.
In recent years,Wolde-Giorgis had been active in efforts to foster reconciliation between former foes Ethiopia and Eritrea who declared an end to two decades of hostility in July.
Speaking at his funeral, current Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde said Wolde-Giorgis had served his country through several governments through good and bad times.
"Wolde-Giorgis showed the true principles of public service, serving Ethiopia during challenging times over the last several decades, in various capacities," she said during a publicly broadcast funeral ceremony.
