The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad hosted a tourism promotion event, bringing together diplomats, travel agents, media, and digital influencers to spotlight Ethiopia as a destination and deepen bilateral ties with Pakistan.
Chief Guest and Dignitaries
Advisor and Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan attended as the chief guest, alongside guest of honor Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador’s Remarks on Historic Bonds
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, emphasized the historic bond between the two nations, referencing the ancient “Habesha” which sheltered early Muslims during the First Hijra. He noted that the historic Al-Nejashi Mosque and the legacy of Hazrat Bilal Habeshi create a lasting bond of brotherhood and spiritual affinity for Pakistanis.
Ethiopia as a Tourism Destination
The Ambassador showcased Ethiopia as the Land of Origins and Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destination, pointing to world-class resorts and parks developed under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. He said the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is the third diplomatic hub and home to the African Union, hosting over 150 international summits last year. He highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ direct Karachi–Addis Ababa flights as a key advantage for Pakistani travelers.
Reciprocal Influencer Exchange Announced
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan praised the Embassy’s initiative for strengthening people-to-people ties and appreciated Ethiopian Airlines for closing the connectivity gap between Pakistan and Africa. Announcing a reciprocal influencer exchange, he said Pakistani content creators will soon visit Ethiopia, while Ethiopian and African influencers will receive complimentary tourism packages to Pakistan.
Additional Secretary’s Remarks
Hamid Asghar Khan thanked Ethiopia for launching direct flight operations in Pakistan, calling them the most critical link between the two countries. Recalling his visit to Ethiopia, he lauded the massive production of energy in Ethiopia, rapid development in its urban areas, wonderful tourism landscapes, and above all the strides it has made in the aviation sector.
