ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasised that Pakistan and Ethiopia share long-standing and historic relations, and efforts are underway to further strengthen these ties.
He expressed these views during a meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Dr Jamal Beker Abdulla, at Parliament House.
Mr Gilani welcomed the establishment of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad and the launch of direct Ethiopian Airlines flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, terming them important milestones in enhancing bilateral relations.
He also stressed the early conclusion of the air services agreement to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.
The two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, trade, investment, environmental cooperation and regional as well as global developments.
The Senate chairman, senators, and the Ethiopian ambassador planted a sapling in the Friendship Garden at Parliament House as part of an ongoing tree plantation campaign.
Mr Gilani expressed gratitude to Ethiopia for supporting Pakistan’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2025–26), noting that close cooperation between the two countries at regional and international forums has consistently strengthened mutual relations.
Underscoring the role of parliamentary diplomacy, the Senate chairman highlighted the active Pakistan–Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group and called for enhanced exchanges between parliamentary delegations and people-to-people contacts. He reaffirmed that economic diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and urged greater efforts to diversify bilateral trade.
Mr Gilani also pointed to Pakistan’s globally renowned products, including high-quality rice, surgical and medical instruments, pharmaceuticals and FIFA-standard footballs, as areas where Ethiopia could increase imports. He further identified opportunities for collaboration in information technology, science, education and vocational training.
On climate change, Mr Gilani appreciated Ethiopia’s Green Dialogue Programme and emphasised the importance of joint initiatives for a sustainable and environmentally secure future.
He also extended an invitation to the Ethiopian parliamentary leadership to participate in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, scheduled to be held in November this year. He noted that, as the founding Chairman of the ISC, he looked forward to welcoming Ethiopia’s participation in addressing shared challenges and building collective strategies.
The Senate chairman was accompanied by Senators Sherry Rehman, Irfanul Haq Siddiqui, Syed Ali Zafar and Adviser to the Senate Chairman, Misbah Khar.
Ambassador Dr Jamal Beker Abdulla endorsed the Senate chairman’s views and lauded his efforts to promote Pakistan’s relations at the international level.
Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025
