The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in Islamabad hosted a grand reception to mark three historic occasions — the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash 2018), the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and Unity Day.
The celebration drew a crowd of nearly 500 distinguished guests, showcasing the deepening bonds between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
High-profile attendance
The ceremony was graced by H.E. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, as chief guest, while H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence and Aviation, attended as guest of honor.
Other federal ministers, senior officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, think tank representatives, media figures, and the Ethiopian diaspora were also present.
Ambassador’s remarks
In his address, H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan and Special Envoy, extended New Year greetings and explained Ethiopia’s unique 13-month calendar system.
“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.
He emphasized that Enkutatash symbolizes hope and optimism, while highlighting Ethiopia’s historic role as the origin of humankind and coffee, and a country of religious harmony, cultural diversity, and tourism.
The Ambassador also elaborated on the Medemer philosophy of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, describing it as the driving force behind the nation’s reforms and growth. He hailed the GERD’s inauguration as a proud example of self-reliance, financed entirely by Ethiopians, and reassured that the dam would not harm downstream countries, instead fostering regional energy connectivity.
Pakistan–Ethiopia relations
Chairman Senate Gilani highlighted the centuries-old trade and cultural links between the two nations, now being revitalized under Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy.” He noted that both countries share a vision of peace, prosperity, and dignity, and called for future collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, and parliamentary exchanges.
Paying tribute to Ethiopia’s achievements, he described the GERD as not just a dam but a symbol of determination, collective vision, and progress.
The event underscored the growing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, cultural exchange, and climate action, reflecting the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.