Ethiopia, Pakistan can prosper through shared resources: Gilani

Islamabad — The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad marked the Ethiopian New Year Enkutatash 2018, Unity Day, and the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with a grand reception, attended by around 500 dignitaries from Pakistan and the diplomatic community.

Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, who was the chief guest, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to deepening its historic ties with Addis Ababa. Calling the GERD “a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination, collective vision, and progress,” Gilani praised Ethiopia’s achievements and stressed that both nations could achieve prosperity by wisely utilizing their shared resources.

He underscored centuries-old trade and cultural linkages between the two countries, now being revitalized under Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy. Gilani highlighted common challenges of the Global South — water and energy security, youth empowerment, and institutional resilience — stressing that their solutions lie in unity and collaboration. He also expressed eagerness to welcome Ethiopian parliamentary leaders at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad this November.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry also attended the event. Ambassadors, parliamentarians, media representatives, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora were present in large numbers.

In his opening remarks, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, extended New Year greetings and explained Ethiopia’s unique 13-month calendar, humorously noting that attendees “became seven years younger” by celebrating the Ethiopian year 2018. He described Enkutatash as a festival of hope and optimism, highlighting Ethiopia’s rich heritage, religious harmony, and cultural diversity.

The Ambassador underlined the significance of the Medemer philosophy of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which promotes synergy of resources, and linked it to the GERD as a national project entirely financed by Ethiopians. He emphasized that the dam would not significantly harm downstream nations and represents Ethiopia’s dedication to equitable water use and regional energy connectivity.

Both Gilani and Dr. Abdula reaffirmed shared goals of peace, prosperity, and dignity for citizens, while looking forward to enhanced cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, education, and parliamentary exchanges.

“Long live Pakistan-Ethiopia friendship,” Gilani concluded.