Islamabad, 25 November 2022 (TDI): The first resident Ambassador of Ethiopia, Jemal Beker Abdula met with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday.
During the meeting, both officials discussed the prospects of enhancing collaboration to address the challenges related to climate change.
Read also: Ambassador of Ethiopia visits Flood-affected areas
Jemal Beker Abdula briefed Foreign Minister about the groundwork completed by both governments for the opening of direct flights between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
In this vein, Jemal stated, “The Ethiopia Airlines will soon be flying in Pakistan and start its operations from Karachi in a first phase.”
The Envoy extended condolences on behalf of the Ethiopian government over the precious loss of lives of people in the recent flash floods that hit Pakistan as a result of climate change.
“Ethiopia stands by Pakistan and expresses solidarity with the people in such trying times. We have extended support to Pakistan in the backdrop of recent floods and will continue to do so in the future.” the Ambassador reiterated.
He further highlighted that Ethiopia is looking forward to working together with Pakistan to address climate change-related issues including food insecurity, flood, and others.
The dignitary also invited Bilawal to visit Ethiopia alongside the Pakistani business delegation which would soon be heading to Ethiopia for exploring business, trade, and, investment opportunities.
For his part, Bilawal admired the support of the Ethiopian government to Pakistan on climate change issues while welcoming the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistan, Ethiopia to foster stronger ties
The Foreign Minister declared the direct flights initiative between Ethiopia and Pakistan, a new era of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Africa.
Pakistan-Ethiopia bilateral ties
Although the relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia date back to 1958 with Pakistan opening its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1973 it is only recently that Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Islamabad.
In the past, the Ethiopian Embassy in Jakarta was accredited to Pakistan. However, this consular absence didn’t deter both countries to establish amicable ties.
Both Pakistan & Ethiopia maintain strong cooperation, especially with reference to international peace and security.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan extended its support to Ethiopia on several international forums including United Nations (UN) Security Council.
