Ethiopian Embassy Islamabad Celebrates New Year, Unity in Diversity Day

ISLAMABAD: The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad celebrated Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, and Hibir Ken (Unity in Diversity Day) with national zeal and fervour under the theme “Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment.”

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, government officials, business representatives, media, civil society and members of the Ethiopian community in Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik attended the ceremony as chief guest, while 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 extended New Year greetings. He highlighted the significance of Enkutatash, which coincides with the blooming of the Adey Abeba flower, and spoke about Ethiopia’s rich history, including its Ge’ez calendar and alphabet.

The ambassador said the New Year’s message of hope, resilience and a bright future reflected the growing Ethiopia-Pakistan relationship, which has been strengthened through Pakistan’s Look Africa and Engage Africa policies and joint economic and environmental initiatives.

He thanked Dr Musadik Malik for his support and formally invited Pakistan to support Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, stressing the importance of stronger climate cooperation for the Global South.

Ambassador Oumer also paid tribute to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan on his retirement, appreciating his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Africa and Ethiopia-Pakistan relations and wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Federal Minister Dr Musadik Masood Malik conveyed his greetings on the Ethiopian New Year and praised Ethiopia’s economic and green transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.

He recalled attending Ethiopian New Year celebrations during his stay in Chicago and praised the people of Ethiopia and the country’s vibrant culture.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan also appreciated the growing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.