ISLAMABAD: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan agreed on Thursday to enhance parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
This commitment to parliamentary cooperation was discussed during a meeting between Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia, and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
During their discussions, both parties addressed the establishment of a Pak-Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group, aimed at utilizing parliamentary channels to further deepen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker updated the Speaker on Ethiopia’s initiatives for regional integration and its crucial role in promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa. He also shared insights on the Government of Ethiopia’s “Home-Grown Economic Reform 2.0,” designed to tackle macroeconomic challenges, boost productivity, and attract foreign direct investment.
Highlighting the strengthening ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan, the Ambassador noted the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, the launch of Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi, and the exchange of business and trade delegations over the past two years.
He informed the Speaker about an upcoming Single Country Exhibition scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in early 2025. The Ambassador emphasized Ethiopia’s potential to play a central role in Pakistan’s “Look Africa” and “Engage Africa” policies, positioning his country as a gateway to a continent of over 1.4 billion people.
Speaker Sadiq affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its “Look Africa” policy to expand its presence on the continent. He praised the launch of Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi for enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to collaborate on contemporary global challenges, particularly focusing on climate change management.
