Islamabad, September 9, 2025: The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) hosted a grand reception in Islamabad to mark the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) 2018, the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and Unity Day, drawing a large gathering of nearly 500 participants from across Pakistan.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest, while Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif attended as guest of honour. Federal ministers Musadik Masood Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Additional Secretary (Africa) Hamid Asghar Khan, and Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi were also present. The diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, officials, academics, media representatives, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora joined the celebrations.
In his remarks, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan and Special Envoy, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, extended warm New Year greetings and explained Ethiopia’s unique calendar system of 13 months. “By attending today’s gathering, all of us have become seven years younger, as Ethiopia is celebrating the start of 2018 today,” he noted.
The envoy underscored Enkutatash as a symbol of hope and optimism, while also highlighting Ethiopia’s heritage as the origin of humankind and coffee, its cultural diversity, and history of religious harmony. He elaborated on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Medemer philosophy — a vision of synergy and collective progress — describing the GERD inauguration as its most powerful manifestation.
“GERD is financed entirely by Ethiopians,” he said, assuring that the dam would not significantly affect downstream nations, but instead support regional energy connectivity and equitable water use.
Reaffirming friendly ties with Pakistan, Dr. Jemal praised growing cooperation in trade, investment, education, cultural exchange, climate action, and security.
Senate Chairman Gilani lauded Ethiopia’s achievements, noting that Pakistan and Ethiopia shared centuries-old trade and cultural ties, now reinvigorated under Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy. He called for closer collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, and parliamentary exchanges, describing GERD as “not merely a structure of concrete and steel, but a symbol of Ethiopia’s determination, vision, and progress.”
