Islamabad: Ethiopian coffee has made its debut in the twin cities with the inauguration of the first dedicated Ethiopian coffee caf© in Rawalpindi-Islamabad.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba inaugurated the caf© on Sunday. The ceremony was preceded by a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony attended by members of the Ethiopian community, Embassy staff and media representatives.

Speaking to the media, the Ambassador highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan and described the opening as an important cultural initiative bringing the two countries closer.

He said Ethiopia, known as the 'Land of Origins' and the birthplace of Arabica coffee, was now introducing its coffee culture to Pakistani consumers through the dedicated caf©.

The Ambassador noted that the caf©'s ownership by an Ethiopian-Pakistani couple further reflects the growing friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The caf© has been named 'Habasha,' the historic name for Ethiopia. The name also has special resonance in Pakistan because of the country's reverence for Hazrat Bilal Habashi (RA) and King Nejashi, who provided shelter to early Muslim migrants during the First Hijra.

The Ambassador reiterated his commitment to promoting stronger bilateral relations through increased cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

Caf© owner Naeem Hashmi said Habesha aims to provide a platform where Pakistanis and Ethiopians can discover and share their art, culture, music and tourism.