ISLAMABAD: The embassy of Ethiopia on Tuesday celebrated the 128th Adwa victory day in the presence of a large number of government officials from different ministries and armed forces, members of parliament, diplomatic corps, business community, civil society, media and the Ethiopian diaspora in Pakistan.

The commemoration day featured multiple events, including documentaries on history of the Adwa victory of Ethiopia against then colonizers, Ethiopia’s role in laying the foundation of Pan-Africanism and its consistent diplomacy for promoting the regional integration.

Member National Assembly (MNA) Khawaja Mohammad Asif was chief guest and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori was guest of honour at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Ethiopia Jemal Beker Abdula extended his felicitations to the whole Africa, especially the people of Ethiopia, on the 128th Adwa Victory Day commemorated under the theme of “Adwa Black People’s Victory”.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan for gracing the 128th anniversary of the Black People’s Victory in such a large number.

Ambassador Beker briefed the guests on historical role played by the Adwa battle in igniting movements for freedom, equality and liberty in the whole Africa and in other continents against the colonization.

On March 2, 1896, a united Ethiopia achieved the biggest victory in battlefield against the invading forces which, indeed, changed the course of history, humanity, political and social narration at the global level, the ambassador noted.

Adwa’s victory was an inspiration and spirit of Pan-Africanism that ignited anti-colonial movements all across the world. The Adwa victory symbolised Ethiopian unity and pan-Africanism, he said, highlighting the major initiatives of the reformist government of Ethiopia that was further fostering regional integration in the region.

The ambassador said Green Legacy Initiative of Dr Abi Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, was a major initiative of the government to boost collaboration with regional countries in mitigating global issues like climate change and food insecurity.

He also expressed resolve to further strengthen ties between the two countries through economic diplomacy.

He announced Hijra Trip II, another business delegation of Pakistani business community to Ethiopia this year, for boosting trade between the two countries.

Last year, the embassy of Ethiopia mobilised a significant delegation of 75 business persons to Ethiopia.

Chief guest Khawaja Asif congratulated the people of Ethiopia and Africa on the Adwa Victory Day.

He also stressed the need for the Pakistani business community to explore African markets, especially through Ethiopia, which was a gateway to the African continent. Impressed with the progress made, Khawaja Asif said there were lessons to be learnt from Ethiopia. He said Pakistan International Airlines could learn from Ethiopian airlines which had grown by leaps and bounds.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2024