Fizza Qaisar
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad celebrated Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, and Hibir Ken (Unity in Diversity Day) with national zeal and fervor under the theme “Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment.”
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of the business community, media, civil society and members of the Ethiopian community in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan and Additional Secretary (Africa) Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan attended as guests of honour.
Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba welcomed the guests and conveyed warm Ethiopian New Year greetings to all those present.
In his remarks, Ambassador Oumer highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Enkutatash, which is associated with the blooming of the Adey Abeba flower. He noted that Ethiopia has preserved its distinctive heritage, including the Ge’ez calendar and alphabet, and emphasized the country’s historical identity and cultural diversity.
The Ambassador said the New Year’s message of hope, resilience and a bright future reflected the growing relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s Look Africa and Engage Africa policies, as well as ongoing cooperation in economic and environmental fields.
He thanked Dr. Musadik Malik for his continued support and formally invited Pakistan to support Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, stressing the need for stronger climate cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Ambassador Oumer also paid tribute to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan on his retirement, appreciating his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Africa and Ethiopia-Pakistan relations and wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik extended warm Ethiopian New Year greetings and appreciated Ethiopia’s economic and green transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Recalling his participation in Ethiopian New Year celebrations during his stay in Chicago, the Federal Minister described the Ethiopian people as warm and welcoming and praised the country’s vibrant culture.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, appreciated the steady growth in bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan. He reiterated his commitment to further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across diverse sectors.
The celebrations provided an opportunity to highlight Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, diversity and traditions while reaffirming the friendly and growing ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
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