By Nawabzada Shah Ali,
Pakistan and Ethiopia share a relationship deeply rooted in history, culture, and shared global values—a bond that has grown stronger over time. The early role of the King of Abyssinia (Negus) in Islam’s formative years, along with the legacy of Hazrat Bilal al-Habashi, provides the spiritual foundation for this enduring friendship. Building on this legacy, Pakistan and Ethiopia formally established diplomatic relations in 1958. The historic visit of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Ethiopia, along with the opening of Ethiopia’s embassy in Islamabad, marked significant milestones in this journey.
In today’s evolving global diplomatic landscape, both nations are looking ahead with renewed engagement. Pakistan’s “Look Africa” policy aims to strengthen ties across the continent, while Ethiopia, home to the African Union and a key actor in the Horn of Africa, emerges as a natural regional partner. While trade volumes remain modest, Pakistan exports rice, medicines, and textiles to Ethiopia, which in turn exports coffee, tea, and flowers to Pakistan—signaling strong potential for growth. Investment agreements, joint business councils, and recent memorandums of understanding demonstrate that these ties are moving from rhetoric to tangible action.
A central figure in this renewed momentum is Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula. Through active engagement with Pakistan’s leadership, business community, and public, he has promoted collaboration across multiple sectors. His emphasis on cultural diplomacy and educational exchanges has helped strengthen people-to-people connections. Ambassador Abdula has consistently praised Pakistan’s hospitality and resilience, highlighting the media as a vital tool for bringing the two nations closer. From defense cooperation to environmental initiatives, his efforts underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening friendship with Pakistan.
As both nations enter this new phase of partnership, history and present-day initiatives converge, illuminating a promising path forward for Pakistan-Ethiopia relations.