thefridaynews 
Ethiopian New Year 2019 Celebrated in Islamabad with National Zeal and FervorISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Islamabad celebrated Ethiopian New Year Enkutatash 2019 on September 10, 2026, with national zeal and fervor, marking the beginning of a new year in the East African nation.The celebration also commemorated Hibir Ken (Unity in Diversity Day) under the theme “Diversity: Ethiopia’s Adornment.” The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders, media representatives, civil society members and the Ethiopian community residing in Pakistan.Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), attended as guests of honor. Mr. Ibrahim Khalid Tawab, Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Karachi, was also present.A number of ambassadors and diplomats representing African countries, including Morocco, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Tunisia, attended the celebration. Ambassadors and diplomats from Russia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Japan and the Kyrgyz Republic also participated in the event.H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and extended New Year greetings to all participants. As part of the Ethiopian tradition, guests were presented with the Adey Abeba, the bright yellow flower associated with Enkutatash and symbolizing the arrival of the Ethiopian New Year.In his welcome address, Ambassador Oumer Hussien Oba highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Enkutatash, marked by the blooming of the Adey Abeba flower. He noted Ethiopia’s unique historical identity as the only African country that successfully maintained its independence during the colonial era and highlighted the country’s distinctive Ge’ez calendar and alphabet.The Ambassador said the message of hope, resilience and a bright future associated with the Ethiopian New Year also reflected the growing momentum in Ethiopia-Pakistan bilateral relations. He emphasized that Pakistan’s Look Africa and Engage Africa policies, coupled with expanding economic and environmental cooperation, were creating new opportunities for stronger bilateral engagement.Ambassador Oumer Hussien Oba thanked Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik for his continued support and formally invited Pakistan to support Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, stressing the importance of enhanced climate cooperation among countries of the Global South.The Ambassador also paid tribute to Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan on the occasion of his retirement, acknowledging his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Africa and Ethiopia-Pakistan relations. He expressed his best wishes for Ambassador Hamid’s future endeavors.Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik conveyed warm Ethiopian New Year greetings and praised Ethiopia’s economic development and green transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.Recalling his own participation in Ethiopian New Year celebrations during his stay in Chicago, the Federal Minister described the Ethiopian people as warm and welcoming and said the country’s culture was vibrant and rich.Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan appreciated the steady growth in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia and reiterated his commitment to promoting cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan remained one of the focal personalities of the ceremony in recognition of his contribution to expanding contacts, knowledge-sharing and cooperation between Pakistan and African countries, particularly Ethiopia.As a gesture of appreciation, Ambassador Oumer Hussien Oba presented Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan with a traditional Ethiopian suit of armor. In a lighter vein, Ambassador Hamid remarked that he was now “prepared for the next phase of his life.”Sharing details of his future plans, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan announced that he was embarking on a Pakistan-East Africa healthcare partnership, with Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa serving as the initial hub. He said preparations for the initiative had been completed and the venture would be formally launched soon.The colorful ceremony concluded with expressions of goodwill, cultural exchange and a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Ethiopia relations and broader Pakistan-Africa cooperation.
