ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening relations with Ethiopia, emphasising enhanced cooperation in political, economic, parliamentary and cultural spheres.

A statement issued by the Senate said the remarks came during a meeting with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, who called on the Senate chairman at his residence.

Welcoming the envoy, Mr Gilani conveyed goodwill for the people and leadership of Ethiopia and said ties between the two countries were rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and a common vision for sustainable development.

Recalling the historical foundations of the relationship, he noted that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties through his 1973 visit to Ethiopia and the establishment of Pakistan’s embassy in Addis Ababa.

He welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral engagement and expressed confidence that the forthcoming bilateral political consultation framework would further institutionalise cooperation on regional and international issues. Highlighting parliamentary diplomacy, he underscored the importance of Pakistan-Ethiopia Friendship Group in the Senate and called for closer coordination in international parliamentary forums.

The Senate chairman also invited the speaker of Ethiopia’s parliament to visit Pakistan along with a parliamentary delegation, noting that high-level exchanges would further solidify ties. He said parliamentary diplomacy remained a vital tool for promoting peace, cooperation and inclusive development globally.

On economic cooperation, Mr Gilani pointed to Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” as a key framework for expanding trade and investment ties. He observed that current trade volumes fell short of potential and called for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, engineering, and sports goods.

Ambassador Hussein Oba, in his remarks, reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the two countries and highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic importance as a gateway to Africa. He appreciated Pakistan’s outreach to the continent and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The statement said both sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration through sustained dialogue, parliamentary exchanges and enhanced economic engagement for mutual benefit.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026