- Embassy Celebrates Enkutatash and Hibir Ken Under Theme ‘Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment’
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Islamabad celebrated Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, and Hibir Ken (Unity in Diversity Day) with national zeal and enthusiasm, bringing together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders, media representatives, civil society members and members of the Ethiopian community in Pakistan.
The celebrations were held under the inspiring theme “Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment,” highlighting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, unity and remarkable diversity.
Federal Minister Musadik Malik Graces Celebration as Chief Guest
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan and Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan attended as guests of honour.
Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and conveyed heartfelt Ethiopian New Year greetings to all participants.
Enkutatash Symbolizes Hope, Resilience and Renewal
In his remarks, Ambassador Oumer Hussien Oba highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Enkutatash, which coincides with the blooming of the Adey Abeba flower and symbolizes renewal, hope and a bright future.
The Ambassador also underscored Ethiopia’s distinctive historical and cultural identity, noting that the country has preserved its sovereignty throughout the colonial era and possesses its own ancient Ge’ez calendar and script, reflecting its rich civilizational heritage.
He said the values embodied by the Ethiopian New Year—hope, resilience, renewal and optimism—closely resonate with the steadily expanding relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Ethiopia-Pakistan Partnership Gaining New Momentum
Ambassador Oumer said bilateral relations were receiving fresh momentum through Pakistan’s Look Africa and Engage Africa policies, as well as growing cooperation in economic development, investment, tourism, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
He expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support and cooperation and formally invited Pakistan to strengthen its partnership with Ethiopia in the lead-up to COP32, which Ethiopia is set to host in Addis Ababa in 2027.
Calling for enhanced climate cooperation among countries of the Global South, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Tribute Paid to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan
The Ethiopian Ambassador also paid tribute to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan on the occasion of his retirement, acknowledging his valuable contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Africa relations and fostering closer Ethiopia-Pakistan ties.
Ambassador Oumer expressed gratitude for his dedicated services and wished him continued success and prosperity in the next chapter of his career.
Musadik Malik Praises Ethiopia’s Green and Economic Transformation
Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik extended warm Ethiopian New Year greetings to the government and people of Ethiopia and commended the country’s impressive economic and environmental transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Recalling his own experience of participating in Ethiopian New Year celebrations during his stay in Chicago, the Federal Minister described the Ethiopian people as warm and welcoming and praised the country’s vibrant cultural traditions.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Ethiopia, particularly in areas related to climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Tourism Cooperation Highlighted as Key Area of Partnership
Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan appreciated the steady growth in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
He reiterated his commitment to promoting stronger cooperation between the two countries, particularly in tourism and other areas of mutual interest, while emphasizing the potential for enhanced people-to-people contacts and greater cultural and economic engagement.
The Ethiopian New Year celebration provided an important platform for reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Pakistan and exploring new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, climate action, culture and sustainable development.
The event concluded with expressions of goodwill and hopes for continued prosperity for the peoples of Ethiopia and Pakistan in the new year.
BY: The Times Union
