First Lady Aseefa Meets Ethiopian Ambassador on Farewell Visit

News Desk 

Islamabad: First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday received the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Dr Jemal Beker Abdula, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr during his farewell call.

According to a news release from the Presidency, the First Lady appreciated the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Ethiopia.

Recalling that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the first Pakistani Prime Minister to visit Ethiopia, she said it was time to further enhance these historic ties, built on mutual respect and solidarity since the era of King Nejashi.

Bibi Aseefa noted that Pakistan ranks among the top ten environmentally stressed countries, and informed the envoy about reconstruction and plantation projects underway in her constituency for flood-affected communities.

She emphasized that Pakistan and Ethiopia could collaborate on climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and early warning systems under the Green Pakistan Initiative, drawing inspiration from Ethiopia’s successful reforestation model.

Congratulating Ethiopia on becoming a full member of BRICS, the First Lady reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, and climate action. She also welcomed the strengthening of economic linkages between the two nations, including the Bilateral Trade Agreement, the upcoming Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, and the resumption of direct flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, which have boosted connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Dr Jemal Beker Abdula lauded the First Lady’s efforts in promoting Pakistan’s positive image and in fostering stronger bilateral ties during his tenure as Ethiopia’s first ambassador to Pakistan. He highlighted Ethiopia’s emergence as a promising market and underscored the trade and investment opportunities available for Pakistan in the African region.

The Ambassador also briefed the First Lady on Ethiopia’s massive reforestation initiative, which resulted in the plantation of 48 billion seedlings in seven years. He extended an invitation to Bibi Aseefa to visit Ethiopia and collaborate with the First Lady of Ethiopia on women’s empowerment, child welfare, and environmental causes.

Wishing Dr Jemal Beker Abdula success in his future endeavours, Bibi Aseefa expressed hope that the partnership between Pakistan and Ethiopia would continue to deepen in the years ahead.

Senator Sherry Rehman was also present during the meeting.