Naved Miraj/Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Pakistan, Jemal Beker Abdula has said that Pakistan and Ethiopia could further cement their relations by exploring avenues of common interest.
In an exclusive interview with World Echo News, Jemal Beker Abdula, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia shed light on the robust and enduring relationship between the two countries.
The two nations established their bilateral ties back in 1958, and over the decades, they have consistently stood by each other on the international stage. In recent times, the envoy has played a dynamic role in fostering these diplomatic relations.
Ethiopia’s fully-functional mission in Pakistan, along with the hosting of significant events such as the Ethiopian New Year and National Unity Day celebrations, has underscored the deepening ties between the two nations.
During the interview, the Ethiopian envoy emphasized the strong political understanding that forms the foundation of Ethiopia-Pakistan relations. Furthermore, he touched upon the economic challenges faced by both nations, recognizing the need for collaboration in key sectors such as textiles, automotive industries, and trade.
One of the pivotal avenues for enhancing this partnership lies in the realm of aviation. With Ethiopia boasting 78 destinations across Africa, the potential for connecting these routes with Pakistan could usher in transformative changes in the dynamics of their relationship, the envoy believes. The establishment of airlines would not only stimulate business ventures but also facilitate greater people-to-people interactions, he added.
Highlighting the contributions of Pakistani doctors working in Ethiopia, the envoy expressed his country’s commitment to nurturing these ties further by offering scholarships to students, thus promoting educational exchanges.
Addressing the progress in bilateral trade, Mr Abdula mentioned the visits of Ethiopian delegations to Pakistan that focused on various sectors such as culture, construction, and pharmaceuticals. Notably, Ethiopia’s participation in events like the Pakistan Expo Karachi and engagements in the province of Punjab have contributed to building trust and fostering economic partnerships.
As the relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan continues to evolve, the prospect of offering scholarships to students remains on the horizon. Plans for engaging with education authorities further affirm the commitment to strengthening these educational and cultural bonds.
Jemal Beker Abdula, known for his passion for sports, particularly cricket, expressed his enthusiasm for promoting the culture of field running in Pakistan. He highlighted Ethiopia’s global dominance in long-distance running and believes that Pakistan can benefit from adopting similar athletic practices.
Regarding the defence and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Pakistan, the Ambassador mentioned that negotiations are currently underway to explore opportunities for collaboration in these critical areas, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
