ISLAMABAD:Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar along with her Ethiopian counterpart Misganu Arega inaugurated the opening of the Embassy of Ethiopia here in Islamabad on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Hina Rabbani Khar said seventy years back Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto inaugurated Pakistan’s embassy in Ethiopia. She said witnessing the achievement of next important milestone in journey of Pak-Ethiopia relations is a privilege for her.
The Minister of State said a country’s diplomacy must be geared towards opening doors and opportunities for its people, trade and investment. She said opening of this embassy will open doors for the trade and investment between the two countries.
Hina Rabbani Khar said not only our economic and developmental challenges are similar but there is also commonality in the resilience of our people to achieve these goals. She said Pakistan has always supported Africa throughout the history.
The Minister of State said Pakistan wishes to engage with Africa meaningfully and be a partner of its journey of growth and prosperity. Highlighting significance of direct flight operations by Ethiopian Airlines to Karachi, she said opening of direct flights between the two countries will provide a fresh impetus to our bilateral trade and people to people connection.
She expressed hope that this embassy will be instrumental in materializing that potential for the mutual benefit of our countries. In his remarks, Misganu Arega extended his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for warm welcome in Islamabad.
He said Ethiopia and Pakistan enjoy cordial relations since 1958. He said it is Ethiopia’s firm conviction that the opening of its embassy in Islamabad marks a new history in diplomatic, political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries.
Misganu Arega said there is no doubt that commencement of flights between Ethiopia and Pakistan will connect both the countries. He said opening of the embassy is concrete example of the importance that Ethiopian government gives to its relations with Pakistan.
He said bilateral trade agreement signed on 14th February this year will open a new window of opportunity for investment in trade and tourism. The Minister of State of Ethiopia expressed gratitude to Pakistan and its people for standing by our side in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Later, both the ministers also cut a cake on the occasion.
