Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Jemal Beker Abdula has emphasized the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Pakistan, expressing determination to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in trade and business. He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, which visited the embassy to offer condolences for the loss of over 260 lives in Ethiopia's recent landslides. On this occasion former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was also present.

Ambassador Abdula highlighted the successful interactions between Pakistani and Ethiopian entrepreneurs through exchange programs, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. He also noted Pakistan's potential to benefit from Ethiopia's experience in addressing climate change.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude for Pakistan's support in launching Ethiopian Airlines' operations in Karachi, a key component of Pakistan's "Look Africa and Engage Africa" policy to strengthen government-to-government, people-to-people, and business-to-business relations.

ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to its ties with Ethiopia, recognizing it as a gateway for exports to Africa. He emphasized the role of Ethiopian Airlines in promoting bilateral relations and expressed the Pakistani business community's enthusiasm for exploring new avenues with Ethiopian entrepreneurs.

Earlier, President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari had expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people and government of Ethiopia for the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating landslides last week. He assured Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) was fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected families. Additionally, he recorded his condolence message in the condolence book, further solidifying the Chamber's support during this difficult time."

Former Senator and PAIDAR Chairman Mushahid Hussain Syed highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges and business-to-business connectivity in areas like education, trade, and sustainable development.

Former ICCI President and United Business Group Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari commended Ambassador Abdula's efforts in strengthening bilateral relations by saying that together both the brotherly countries have gained a sufficient ground and that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Pakistan will be a jump to further solidify ties between the two nations.

The ICCI delegation included Malik Shabbir Awan, Faizan Shahzad, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Maqsood Tabish, Akhtar Abbasi, and Zia Chaudhry.