Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, called on Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Gilani, Ethiopian envoy discuss strengthening bilateral, parliamentary cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Jun 05 (APP): Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, called on Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Welcoming the ambassador, the Chairman Senate conveyed warm sentiments of goodwill and friendship to the leadership and people of Ethiopia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its longstanding and cordial relations with Ethiopia based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, according to a news release issued by the Senate Secretariat.
Recalling the historical foundations of bilateral ties, Gilani said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto played a pioneering role in strengthening Pakistan-Ethiopia relations 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.
The Chairman of the Senate welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral relations and said the forthcoming Bilateral Political Consultation Agreement would further institutionalize diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation on regional and international issues.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani referred to the establishment of the Pakistan-Ethiopia Friendship Group in the Senate of Pakistan and expressed confidence that it would promote sustained dialogue and stronger parliamentary engagement between the two countries.
He also emphasized enhanced cooperation in multilateral parliamentary forums, including the United Nations (UN), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
Gilani highlighted his role as the 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 invited Ethiopian parliamentary counterparts to actively engage with the ISC platform to explore future opportunities for collaboration and shared progress.
The Chairman Senate also extended an invitation to the Speaker of the Ethiopian Parliament to visit Pakistan along with a parliamentary delegation, saying that exchanges of high-level delegations would further strengthen bilateral relations.
Discussing economic cooperation, Gilani 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 current volume of bilateral trade does not reflect the true potential of economic relations and stressed the need for stronger partnerships in sectors such as agriculture, engineering industries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, and sports goods.
The Chairman Senate appreciated the growing connectivity between the two countries and welcomed the opening of Ethiopia’s Embassy in Islamabad, as well as enhanced people-to-people engagement through direct air links.
On climate cooperation, Gilani welcomed the successful organization of the “Ethio-Pakistan Green Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability” in Islamabad.
He also highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Multan, describing it as a centuries-old city popularly known as the “City of Saints.”
Referring to cultural and educational linkages, Gilani emphasized the immense tourism potential offered by the rich heritage of both countries and encouraged greater people-to-people exchanges. He proposed expanding scholarship opportunities, academic partnerships, and institutional collaboration between universities and research organizations in Pakistan and Ethiopia to promote innovation and joint research initiatives.
The Chairman Senate further recalled that the Senate of Pakistan had adopted a landmark resolution on Africa Day during a special session held on May 25, 2025, reaffirming Pakistan’s enduring commitment to Africa and declaring May 25 as Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day as a symbol of solidarity and multidimensional partnership with African nations.
During the meeting, both sides reiterated their resolve to strengthen cooperation across political, parliamentary, economic, educational, environmental, and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Pakistan and Ethiopia.
Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba thanked the Chairman of the Senate for the warm hospitality and appreciated Pakistan’s continued commitment to enhancing engagement with Ethiopia and the African continent.
