ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar along with her Ethiopian counterpart Misganu Arega inaugurated the opening of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Hina Rabbani Khar said the opening of the embassy would open doors for trade and investment between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
She said Pakistan wishes to engage with Africa and be a partner in its journey of growth and prosperity.
Hina Rabbani Khar said the economic and developmental challenges of both countries are similar, and there is also a commonality in the resilience of our people to achieve these goals.
She said Pakistan has always supported Africa throughout history and expressed the hope that this embassy will be instrumental in materializing that potential for the mutual benefit of our country.
Highlighting significance of direct flight operations by Ethiopian Airlines to Karachi, the Minister of State said the start of direct flights between the two countries will provide a fresh impetus to our bilateral trade and people-to-people connection.
In his remarks, Ethiopian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Misganu Arega extended his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for the warm welcome in Islamabad.
He said Ethiopia and Pakistan enjoy cordial relations since 1958. He said it was Ethiopia’s firm conviction that the opening of its embassy in Islamabad marks a new history of diplomatic, political, economic, and social cooperation between the two countries.
The Ethiopian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said the opening of the embassy is an example of the importance that the Ethiopian government gives to its relations with Pakistan.
He said the bilateral trade agreement signed on February 14th this year would open a new window of opportunity for investment in trade and tourism.
He expressed gratitude to Pakistan and its people for standing by Ethiopia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Later, both Ministers also cut a cake to commemorate the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan.