Naveed Miraj and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The Coordinator General of COMSTECH, Professor Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, hosted a reception to honor Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The event celebrated Ambassador Beker’s exceptional efforts in cultivating robust bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The reception, held in Islamabad, was attended by distinguished guests, including Senator Mushahid Hussain, Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto, DG Africa, as well as parliamentarians, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from civil society, and media professionals.
During the ceremony, a special event was organized at COMSTECH to recognize and appreciate Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula’s initiatives over the past year. These initiatives have significantly contributed to strengthening cooperation between the two nations across various sectors.
Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Jemal Beker acknowledged the support he received from the Pakistani government, business community, media, and civil society during his tenure. He emphasized the genuine warmth and hospitality he experienced throughout his stay in Pakistan, mentioning his visits to cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, where he observed diverse cultures united by a common thread of hospitality.
Ambassador Jemal Beker’s Efforts to Strengthen Pakistan and Ethiopia Relations
Ambassador Jemal Beker highlighted his efforts to bridge the gap between the people of Pakistan and Ethiopia, particularly through initiatives like Ethiopian Airlines, which he believed had the potential to transform Africa-Pakistan relations and enhance Ethiopia-Pakistan ties. He emphasized the importance of meaningful interactions between entrepreneurs from both nations, facilitated through initiatives such as business and trade delegations, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Ambassador underscored the historical and religious ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan, exemplified by figures like King Nejashi and Bilal Habeshi, which have fostered deep respect and affection between the two countries. He expressed confidence that with the positive momentum gained over the past year and the mutual commitment from both sides, Ethiopia and Pakistan are on the path to a closer relationship rooted in the eternal values of brotherhood and love.
In his remarks, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, praised Ambassador Jemal Beker for his role in connecting Pakistan with the entirety of Africa through Ethiopian Airlines. He also expressed COMSTECH’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with Ethiopia in the fields of science and technology.
Senator Mushahid Hussain credited the physical connectivity between Pakistan and Africa to Ambassador Beker, highlighting his instrumental role in bringing Ethiopian Airlines to the country.
