Islamabad, 29 August 2023 (TDI): Today marks the first anniversary of the Ethiopian embassy in Islamabad. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia set up its embassy in Pakistan in 2022, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s reformed foreign policy.
Under the visionary leadership of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Jemal Beker the embassy aims to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
Also, the embassy offers essential services to Ethiopian citizens residing in the country and serves as a cultural and historical representation of Ethiopia in Pakistan.
Ambassador Jemal Beker presented his credentials to the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, on August 29, 2022, and the two sides discussed their promising bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Ethiopia-Pakistan Diplomatic ties
Ethiopia and Pakistan initiated their diplomatic relations in 1958, characterized by mutual respect and collaborative principles. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan established its resident mission in 1973, following President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s 1972 official visit to Ethiopia.
Pakistan’s bilateral ties with Ethiopia are guided by its “Engage Africa” policy, aimed at enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties with African nations. But, the two nations had not realized the full potential for cooperation.
However, the meeting between the Prime Ministers of both nations on the sidelines of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing on April 27, 2019, signified the dawn of a renewed era of cooperation.
Subsequently, the interaction between Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stimulated the progression of high-level contacts and bilateral relations.
Finally, the visit of Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry delegation resulted in the opening of the Ethiopian embassy in Pakistan in 2022. The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad was officially inaugurated on May 11, 2023.
Embassy Achievements
Ambassador Jemal Beker maintained strong political cooperation between the two nations through his active engagement with the key officials of Pakistan, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed, and others.
He regularly holds press briefings, media interactions, and interviews, encouraging increased people-to-people contacts, and fostering bilateral ties.
Moreover, Ambassador Jemal Beker toured different universities in the country, aiming to promote cooperation between the educational sectors of the two nations. With the aim of strengthening bilateral academic engagement, he also visited different think tanks in Islamabad.
In his efforts to reinforce economic cooperation, the Ambassador participated in a range of business chambers, including the Federation of Chambers of Pakistan, the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, the Multan Chamber of Commerce, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, and the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce.
Furthermore, he met with Pakistani businessmen and industrialists to boost bilateral trade and visited multiple industries and expos to realize the business and investment potential of Pakistan.
Due to the unwavering commitment of a Pakistani delegation of 76 individuals arrived in Ethiopia in March 2023. Afterwards, the Ethiopian delegation also paid a visit to Pakistan, exploring business opportunities between the two countries.
Additionally, in March 2023, a business forum was held in Ethiopia for ETHIO-PAK businessmen and investors, where Deputy PM and FM Demeke Mekonnen addressed the forum.
Likewise, the Ethiopian embassy had arranged multiple business forums in different cities in Pakistan to boost bilateral economic cooperation. The two nations also signed MOUs in science, commerce, and technology, after the establishment of the embassy.
Owing to Ambassador Jemal Beker’s commendable diplomacy, Ethiopian Airlines started its direct flight operations in Pakistan on May 9, 2023.
Pakistani Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, along with his cabinet, received Ambassador Mesganu Arega during the maiden flight of Ethiopia Airlines at Karachi Airport.
Also Read: Ethopian Airlines launches direct flights between Addis Ababa and Karachi
The Ethiopian embassy helped the brotherly country during the recent flash floods and distributed relief aid in Sindh.
Additionally, the embassy regularly arranges coffee ceremonies for guests to sensitize them about the culture of Ethiopia and their trademark coffee.
The Embassy also arranged ceremonies to commemorate the national and international days with great fervour and zeal.
Due to his tireless efforts in promoting cooperation between the two countries, Ambassador Jemal received the Best Ambassador award.
