The Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Ethpopia, held in Islamabad, reviewed the full gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood led the Pakistan side while Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Ambassador Redwan Hussien, who is on official visit to Pakistan, led the Ethopian delegation.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated that Pakistan attached high importance to its relations with Ethiopia and looked forward to exploring new areas for mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade and agricultural domains.

He welcomed Ethiopia’s decision to open its Embassy in Islamabad.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” vision aimed at deepening political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and security engagement with the African Continent.

Ambassador Hussien said Ethiopia’s decision to establish its diplomatic presence in Islamabad is a reflection of the importance it attached to strengthening its engagement with Pakistan.

Later, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan Hussien called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi separately in Islamabad and discussed matters related to bilateral ties.

Ambassador Hussien delivered a formal message to the Prime Minister on behalf of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, including the invitation to visit Ethiopia.

The Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan highly valued its long-standing ties with Ethiopia and stressed the importance of further increasing trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier, the visiting dignitary of Ethopia visited foreign office and called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Noting the long history of fraternal ties and close cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan wanted to explore new avenues for collaboration between Pakistan and Ethiopia.

Ambassador Hussien thanked the Government of Pakistan for its hospitality and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s desire for further enhancing bilateral ties, especially in the trade and economic realms.