Islamabad, 09 September 2025 (Kamran Raja): The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in Pakistan hosted a grand reception in the federal capital to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) 2018, the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and Unity Day.
The ceremony, attended by nearly 500 participants, reflected the growing depth of bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
H.E. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence and Aviation, was the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included H.E. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; H.E. Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication; H.E. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for Culture and Heritage; H.E. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson for the President. Members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, government officials, media, think tanks, and representatives of the Ethiopian diaspora were also present.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ethiopia’s Special Envoy and Ambassador to Pakistan, extended warm New Year greetings and explained Ethiopia’s unique calendar system of 13 months. “By attending today’s gathering, all of us in this room got seven years younger, because Ethiopia is celebrating the start of 2018 today,” he remarked with a smile.
He underscored that Enkutatash symbolizes hope and optimism, while highlighting Ethiopia’s historic role as the origin of humankind, the birthplace of coffee, and a land of rich cultural and religious harmony. The Ambassador also spoke of Ethiopia’s contributions to pan-Africanism, regional integration, and global tourism.
Elaborating on Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s Medemer philosophy which advocates synergizing resources for collective growth the Ambassador described the GERD as a “powerful manifestation of Medemer.” He emphasized that the dam, financed entirely by Ethiopians, would not significantly impact downstream nations and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to equitable water utilization and regional energy connectivity.
Reiterating Ethiopia’s strong ties with Pakistan, he noted expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, climate change, peace, and security.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Senate H.E. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani lauded Ethiopia’s achievements, recalling centuries-old trade and cultural linkages now being revitalized under Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy.” He expressed optimism for deeper collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, and parliamentary exchanges.
“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is not merely a structure of concrete and steel it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination, collective vision, and progress,” he said, congratulating Ethiopia on the successful inauguration.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen their bonds for shared peace, prosperity, and dignity.