Islamabad: The Ambassador of Ethiopia, Jemal Beker Abdula, called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, at his residence.
The meeting featured in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, defense collaboration, and other matters of mutual interest.
Chairman Senate welcomed the launch of direct flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, noting the significant potential for further collaboration in the aviation sector between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized that Pakistan places great value on its relations with Ethiopia and remains committed to strengthening economic ties. He noted that both countries are cooperating on key global issues, including climate change, and enjoy excellent collaboration at international forums. He also extended an invitation to his Ethiopian parliamentary counterpart to visit Pakistan.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of increasing bilateral trade and investment, suggesting the import of Pakistani rice to Ethiopia and noting Pakistans status as home to some of the worlds finest rice varieties.
Reaffirming Pakistans commitment to enhanced cooperation with Ethiopia³particularly in the areas of economy, trade, and agriculture³he said that the exchange of parliamentary delegations would further deepen mutual ties. Pakistan, he added, is eager to expand its multifaceted cooperation with Ethiopia.
Chairman Senate also shared that an Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference is scheduled to be held in Pakistan this November, and he expressed hope that Ethiopias parliamentary leadership would participate. He underscored that fostering people-to-people contacts is essential for bringing nations closer, and highlighted the role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups in advancing parliamentary diplomacy.
Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula welcomed the Chairmans remarks and reaffirmed Ethiopias commitment to strengthening trade and bilateral cooperation with Pakistan. He mentioned that the expansion of air connectivity to Islamabad and Lahore is under active consideration. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of mutual support on global platforms and emphasized the significance of bilateral collaboration on climate change initiatives.