Dr. Jemal Beker, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb Khichi, in Islamabad today. Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division was also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the dignitary, the Minister presented a bouquet and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting cultural engagement between the two countries. The two sides held in-depth discussions on enhancing bilateral cultural and people-to-people relations.
Expressing his deep admiration for Pakistan, Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker said, “I truly love Pakistan. I have visited Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, and found the people here to be exceptionally hospitable and kind.” He also highlighted his educational and professional background, along with Ethiopia’s rich historical legacy. Dr. Beker described the Pakistani nation as courageous, resilient, and intelligent, with a unique and beautiful culture.
Minister Khichi briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s cultural diversity and the role of the Ministry in promoting heritage through various cultural institutions. He stated that Pakistan and Ethiopia could collaborate on joint cultural projects and that both sides were exploring enhanced cooperation in the field.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen people-to-people ties and close collaboration. Ambassador Beker proposed that formal cultural Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries could serve as a roadmap for deeper cooperation.
Minister Khichi affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to pursue all necessary formal processes to foster collaboration with Ethiopia in the cultural domain. He appreciated the ambassador’s practical and valuable proposals for mutual engagement in heritage and culture.
Both parties emphasized expanding cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Ethiopia, recognizing the richness and diversity of their respective cultural heritages.
Ambassador Beker also proposed leveraging culture as a bridge to enhance bilateral trade, an idea that was welcomed by the Minister, who noted, “Culture can serve as a meaningful medium to strengthen ties between our two nations.”
The ambassador informed the minister that the book “Medemer Generation,” authored by H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has been formally added to the diverse collection of the National Library of Pakistan under the Government of Pakistan’s “African Corner Initiative” He further shared that the National Languages Promotion Department will translate the book into Urdu, further deepening cultural understanding between the two nations.
