Islamabad (GNP) :- Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Chairman Senate expressed warm sentiments of goodwill and friendship for the leadership and people of Ethiopia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further deepening its longstanding and cordial relations with Ethiopia based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Recalling the historical foundations of bilateral relations, Chairman Senate said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto played a pioneering role in strengthening Pakistan–Ethiopia ties through his historic visit to Ethiopia in 1973 and the inauguration of Pakistan’s Embassy in Addis Ababa, laying the groundwork for enduring diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Chairman Senate welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral relations and emphasized that the forthcoming Bilateral Political Consultation Agreement would further institutionalize diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation on regional and international matters.
Underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Senate highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan–Ethiopia Friendship Group in the Senate of Pakistan and expressed confidence that the forum would facilitate sustained dialogue and stronger parliamentary engagement between the two countries. He also emphasized enhanced cooperation in multilateral parliamentary forums including the United Nations(UN), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also highlighted his role as Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), describing parliamentary diplomacy as an effective instrument for promoting global peace, cooperation, and inclusive development. He extended an invitation to Ethiopian parliamentary counterparts to actively engage with the ISC platform to explore future opportunities for collaboration and shared progress. Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, also extended invitation to the Speaker of the Parliament of Ethiopia to visit Pakistan along with a parliamentary delegation. He stated that exchange of high-level delegations would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Discussing economic cooperation, Chairman Senate underscored the significance of Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” as a comprehensive framework for broadening strategic and economic engagement with African nations. He observed that the existing bilateral trade volume does not reflect the actual potential of economic relations and stressed the need for stronger trade partnerships in sectors including agriculture, engineering industries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, and sports goods.
Chairman Senate appreciated the growing connectivity between the two countries and welcomed the opening of Ethiopia’s Embassy in Islamabad and enhanced people-to-people engagement through direct air connectivity.
Highlighting climate cooperation, Chairman Senate welcomed the successful organization of the “Ethio–Pakistan Green Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability” in Islamabad.
He also highlighted that Multan centuries old city and popularly known as city of saints.
Referring to cultural and educational linkages, Chairman Senate emphasized the immense tourism potential offered by the rich historical heritage of both countries and encouraged greater people-to-people exchanges. He proposed expanding scholarship opportunities, academic partnerships, and institutional collaboration between research organizations and universities of Pakistan and Ethiopia to promote innovation and joint research initiatives.
Chairman Senate further recalled that the Senate of Pakistan had adopted a landmark Resolution on Africa Day in its Special Session held on 25TH May 2025, reaffirming Pakistan’s enduring commitment to Africa and declaring 25 May as Pakistan–Africa Friendship Day as a symbol of solidarity and a multidimensional partnership with African nations.
During the meeting, both sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, parliamentary, economic, educational, environmental, and cultural domains for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Pakistan and Ethiopia.
Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba thanked Chairman Senate for the warm hospitality and appreciated Pakistan’s continued commitment to enhancing engagement with Ethiopia and the African continent.
