Islamabad (GNP): The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad has hosted a tourism promotion event bringing together diplomats, travel agents, media, and digital influencers to spotlight Ethiopia as a destination and deepen bilateral ties with Pakistan.
H.E. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor and Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, graced the occasion as chief guest, while H.E. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as guest of honor.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations, tracing them back to the ancient land of “Habesha,” which had provided refuge to early Muslims during the First Hijra. He pointed out that the Al-Nejashi Mosque and the heritage of Hazrat Bilal Habeshi continue to symbolize an enduring bond of brotherhood and spiritual closeness between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The Ambassador went on to present Ethiopia as the “Land of Origins” and one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, citing the world-class resorts and national parks developed under the leadership of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
He said the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is the third diplomatic hub and home to the African Union, hosting over 150 international summits last year.
The Ambassador highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ direct Karachi–Addis Ababa flights as a key advantage for Pakistani travelers.
H.E. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan praised the Embassy’s initiative for strengthening people-to-people ties and appreciating the Ethiopian Airlines for closing the connectivity gap between Pakistan and Africa.
Announcing a reciprocal influencer exchange, he announced Pakistani content creators will soon visit Ethiopia, while Ethiopian and African influencers will receive complimentary tourism packages to Pakistan.
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H.E. Hamid Asghar Khan thanked Ethiopia for launching direct flight operations in Pakistan, calling them the most critical link between the two countries.
Recalling his visit to Ethiopia, he lauded the massive production of energy in Ethiopia, rapid development in its urban areas, wonderful tourism landscapes, and above all, the strides it has made in the aviation sector
