ISLAMABAD – In a significant move to bolster bilateral and multilateral relations, Ethiopia and Pakistan have discussed enhancing cooperation in the defense and aviation sectors, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad. Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker, met with Pakistan’s Minister for Defense and Aviation, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, to deliberate on a range of cooperative initiatives.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the discussions between Ambassador Jemal and Minister Asif covered the full spectrum of ongoing bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation. The ambassador expressed gratitude towards the Pakistani government for its steadfast support to Ethiopia at various levels. He also briefed Minister Asif on Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability, attracting foreign direct investment, and enhancing productivity and job creation.

The talks also touched upon humanitarian efforts, with Ambassador Jemal updating the Pakistani minister on the relief and rescue operations in Ethiopia’s Gofa region, where efforts are underway for the permanent relocation of residents affected by recent landslides. Minister Asif extended his condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Ethiopia during challenging times.

Minister Asif highlighted Pakistan’s strategic interest in expanding its presence in Africa, recognizing Ethiopia’s central role in Islamabad’s ‘Look Africa’ and ‘Engage Africa’ policies. He noted Ethiopia’s position as a gateway to the continent, which has over 1.4 billion people and untapped resources. The minister also lauded the recent commencement of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Karachi, which he said has significantly boosted bilateral relations, particularly in enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business connections between the two countries and across Africa.

Additionally, the Pakistani minister commended the economic progress Ethiopia has made under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, particularly through the implementation of homegrown economic reforms aimed at ensuring peace and prosperity.