By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Thursday agreed to promote Parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries for further strengthening the bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. The Parliamentary cooperation between the two nations came under discussion during a meeting between Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the FDR Ethiopia to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

During the meeting, both sides also discussed matters of mutual interest including establishment of a counterpart of the Pak-Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group to utilize Parliamentary channels for further strengthening the bilateral relations. Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker briefed the NA Speaker about the initiatives taken by the FDR Ethiopia for regional integration, and also its pivotal role in ensuring peace and security in the Horn of Africa region. He informed the Honorable Speaker about the home-grown economic reforms 2.0 which has been undertaken by the Government of the FDR Ethiopia to address macroeconomic imbalances, increase Ethiopia’s productivity and attract the foreign direct investment. Ethiopia and Pakistan relations are on upward trajectory, he said while highlighting opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, launching of the Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi and exchange of business and trade delegations between the two countries during the last two years. The Ambassador informed the Honorable Speaker about a Single Country Exhibition being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the beginning of 2025. He said Ethiopia has a capacity and will to play a central role in the Look Africa and Engage Africa policy of Pakistan as his country was a gateway to the African continent of more than 1.4 billion people. The Honorable Speaker stated that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is committed to the Look Africa and Engage Africa policy to further increase its presence in the Africa. He lauded the launch of the Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi which has been increasing connectivity between Pakistan and Ethiopia. The meeting was concluded on the agreement between both parties to work in collaboration on contemporary challenges faced by the globe, giving emphasize on climate change management.