A number of African leaders arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday to grace the official inauguration of the newly refurbished Unity Park, found in the restored National Palace, in the heart of Addis Ababa.

Among those leaders were Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Ethiopian Prime Minister' office said the Unity Park "is a manifestation of the MEDEMER idea, inviting us to takes stock of our positive capital from the past (our historical and cultural assets) and build upon it for future generations.”

"Unity Park symbolizes our ability to come together for a common goal and cross the finish line by, creating an exquisite lasting prints of our collective worth." it added.

While in Addis Ababa, the leaders are also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines, aimed at boosting regional cooperation among the East African states.

Built some 130 years ago during Emperor Menelik's reign, the Unity Park lies on a 40 hectares plot which accommodates a zoo, pavilions that showcase cultural and historical assets of Ethiopia, traditional garden, residences, halls and chapels.

Source(s): Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia