Aseefa Bhutto Zardari Lauds Ethiopian Envoy’s Role in Strengthening Pakistan-Ethiopia Friendship

Islamabad: First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, received the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Dr Jemal Beker Abdula, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on his farewell call today.

During the meeting, the First Lady appreciated the Ambassador’s contributions toward strengthening friendship between Pakistan and Ethiopia. She recalled that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to visit Ethiopia, and emphasized that it was now time to further build upon these historic ties rooted in mutual respect and solidarity since the era of King Nejashi.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said the country ranked among the top ten environmentally stressed nations. She shared that large-scale reconstruction and plantation projects were underway in her constituency for flood-affected communities. The First Lady suggested that Pakistan and Ethiopia could collaborate on climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and early warning systems under Pakistan’s Green Initiative and Ethiopia’s successful reforestation model.

Congratulating Ethiopia on becoming a full member of BRICS, the First Lady reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, and climate action. She also commended the strengthening of economic linkages between the two countries, including the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, the upcoming Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa later this year, and the resumption of direct flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, which she said would enhance connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Dr Jemal Beker Abdula expressed gratitude for the support extended during his tenure and lauded the First Lady’s efforts in projecting a positive image of Pakistan. He said his mission focused on building lasting partnerships between Ethiopia and Pakistan, describing Pakistan as a strong and reliable partner in the evolving global landscape.

The Ambassador briefed the First Lady on Ethiopia’s remarkable progress as an emerging market and shared that the African region offered vast trade and investment opportunities for Pakistan. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s large-scale reforestation campaign, which resulted in the plantation of 48 billion seedlings in seven years. Dr Abdula invited the First Lady to visit Ethiopia and explore areas of collaboration with the First Lady of Ethiopia, who has been actively engaged in promoting women’s empowerment, child welfare, and environmental protection.

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari extended her best wishes to Dr Jemal Beker Abdula in his future endeavors and expressed confidence that the partnership between Pakistan and Ethiopia would continue to grow.

Senator Sherry Rehman was also present during the meeting.