The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad hosted a vibrant ceremony to mark the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and to celebrate the New Year, drawing more than 500 guests and high-level Pakistani and international attendees. The event highlighted growing Ethiopia–Pakistan ties, showcased Ethiopian culture, and emphasized the dam as a symbol of national unity and achievement.
The celebration was staged in a festive atmosphere intended to strengthen longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Embassy organizers said the program aimed to enhance Ethiopia’s image abroad and to bring together the Ethiopian diaspora in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Senate chairman, Yusuf Raza Gilani, attended as the guest of honor. In his remarks he praised Ethiopia’s developmental progress and congratulated the country on completing the Renaissance Dam, calling it a noteworthy achievement. He also extended New Year wishes to Ethiopians and their friends.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker addressed the gathering, offering holiday greetings and framing the dam’s inauguration as the result of Ethiopian unity and perseverance. He described the project as a symbol of national victory and conveyed congratulations from both the Ethiopian people and government for this historic accomplishment.
Since opening three years ago, the embassy said it has worked actively to deepen bilateral relations across multiple fields and to promote Ethiopia’s ancient civilization, culture and values. This year’s festivities were held under the slogan “Diversity is the jewel of Ethiopia,” part of a broader effort to raise the country’s cultural profile.
The program drew senior Pakistani government officials, regional governors, cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community, along with Ethiopians living in Pakistan, business representatives and more than 60 media outlets. Organizers also ran special events aimed at reinforcing unity and brotherhood within the diaspora, contributing to the event’s broadly positive reception.
