ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad celebrated Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, and Hibir Ken (Unity in Diversity Day) with traditional enthusiasm under the theme “Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment.”
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business representatives, media professionals, civil society members and the Ethiopian community residing in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik attended the ceremony as chief guest. Prime Minister’s Advisor and National Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan and Additional Secretary (Africa) Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan were guests of honour.
Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba welcomed the guests and conveyed warm Ethiopian New Year greetings to the participants.
In his address, the Ambassador highlighted the cultural and historical importance of Enkutatash, which coincides with the blooming of the Adey Abeba flower. He noted that Ethiopia is the only African country that was never formally colonised and maintains its own Ge’ez calendar and alphabet.
He said the New Year conveys a message of hope, resilience and optimism for the future, values that also reflect the expanding relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The Ambassador noted that bilateral ties had gained further momentum through Pakistan’s “Look Africa” and “Engage Africa” policies, as well as cooperation in economic and environmental fields.
He expressed appreciation for Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik’s continued support and formally invited Pakistan to support Ethiopia’s bid to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, stressing the need for greater climate cooperation among countries of the Global South.
The Ambassador also paid tribute to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan on his retirement, acknowledging his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Africa relations, particularly ties between Pakistan and Ethiopia. He extended his best wishes to him for the next phase of his career and life.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik conveyed his warm greetings to the people of Ethiopia on the New Year and commended the country’s economic and green transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Recalling his own participation in Ethiopian New Year celebrations during his stay in Chicago, the Minister described the Ethiopian people as warm and welcoming and praised the country’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan also appreciated the steady growth in Ethiopia-Pakistan relations and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism and other areas of mutual interest.
