The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad marked the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Ethiopian New Year with a large, festive celebration that highlighted deepening ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan, strong people-to-people connections, and unity within the Ethiopian diaspora. The event drew over 500 guests, including senior Pakistani officials and a broad diplomatic and media presence, and was held under the slogan “Diversity is the jewel of Ethiopia.”
The embassy staged a bright and celebratory program combining the dam inauguration and new year festivities, designed to reinforce the long-standing friendship between the two countries and to strengthen cultural and community bonds among Ethiopians living in Pakistan. Organizers said the atmosphere was joyful and inclusive, reflecting the importance of both occasions.
Honorable Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, attended as the guest of honor. In his remarks he commended Ethiopia’s developmental achievements, particularly the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and extended warm new-year greetings. He praised the project as a national accomplishment that promises benefits for the Ethiopian people.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker, the Ethiopian envoy to Pakistan, delivered holiday greetings to Ethiopians at home and abroad and emphasized the dam’s symbolic and practical significance. He described the inauguration as the outcome of national unity and perseverance and hailed the dam as a symbol of unity and victory for the Ethiopian people, offering the government’s and countrymen’s congratulations on the milestone.
The embassy noted that, in the three years since its establishment, it has worked actively to strengthen bilateral relations across multiple fields and to promote Ethiopia’s ancient civilization, culture and values. This year’s celebrations, carried out under the theme “Diversity is the jewel of Ethiopia,” were intended to enhance the country’s image and showcase its cultural richness.
The guest list reflected wide support for the event: senior Pakistani government officials, regional governors, ministers, ambassadors from other countries, members of the diplomatic community, Ethiopians living in Pakistan, business representatives and more than 60 media organizations attended. Organizers said the broad turnout demonstrated strong interest in and acceptance of Ethiopia’s initiatives.
In addition to the main ceremony, the embassy staged special programs aimed at strengthening unity and brotherhood within the diaspora. Officials said the combined celebrations underscored the growing relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan and the embassy’s role in advancing cultural diplomacy and community cohesion.
