Asma Kundi & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Pakistan marked the arrival of Ethiopian New Year 2016 with traditional enthusiasm and passion. In celebration of this significant event, a vibrant reception was hosted in Islamabad, welcoming distinguished guests from the Government of Pakistan, media, civil society, diplomatic circles, and the Ethiopian Diaspora.
The event was graced by the presence of Gohar Ejaz, Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, who attended as the chief guest. Notable dignitaries in attendance included Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps to Pakistan, Mohammed Karmoune, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Pakistan, and former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zafar Bakhtawari, among others.
Jemal Beker Abdula, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, extended a warm welcome to all the guests as they arrived at the celebration ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jemal Beker explained the uniqueness of the Ethiopian calendar, which celebrates the new year on September 11, according to its ancient calendar system. He elaborated that the Ethiopian calendar comprises 13 months, with 12 months consisting of 30 days each, and an additional 13th month with 5 days. In leap years, this 13th month includes 6 days. As a result, Ethiopians celebrated the new year on September 11, except in leap years when it falls on September 12.
Amidst a burst of applause, Ambassador Jemal Beker humorously mentioned, “Whoever is present in this gathering today becomes seven years younger in age.”
He emphasized that Ethiopian New Year is a time for all Ethiopians to reaffirm their commitment to the core values that define Ethiopia, including love, forgiveness, unity, and harmony.
Ethiopia’s Unique Place in Human History
The ambassador also highlighted Ethiopia’s unique place in human history as the origin of humankind, noting the discovery of Lucy, a famous human fossil believed to be one of our earliest ancestors. Additionally, Ethiopia is renowned as the birthplace of coffee, with the village of Keffa giving the beloved beverage its name.
Ambassador Jemal Beker expressed the sentiment that visiting Ethiopia is akin to reconnecting with one’s ancestral roots. He proudly acknowledged Ethiopia as the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and praised the nation’s exceptional athletes. He announced plans to foster knowledge exchange in the field of sports between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Furthermore, Ambassador Jemal Beker highlighted the completion of the first Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, a testament to the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Ethiopian Government inaugurated its Embassy in Pakistan last year, coinciding with Pakistan’s diamond jubilee.
The ambassador extended his gratitude to the people and Government of Pakistan for their hospitality, generosity, and sincerity during his tenure. He also highlighted the key initiatives undertaken by the Ethiopian Embassy during its inaugural year, including the formal establishment of the Embassy, a historic trade delegation visit of 75 Pakistani businessmen to Ethiopia in March 2023, and a high-powered official and business delegation of 50 persons from Ethiopia to Pakistan in May 2023.
Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines initiated operations in Karachi, and agreements were signed with Pakistan in various areas, including trade, investment, science, and technology.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula’s invitation to the celebration ceremony and emphasized the close and promising relationship between Pakistan and Ethiopia in trade, investment, tourism, and technology transfer. He highlighted the optimistic trade prospects between the two nations and announced the opening of new Trade & Investment Offices in several African countries as part of the Look Africa Policy Initiative, aiming to strengthen economic engagement with African nations.
