Islamabad – 11 September 2023 (Adnan Hameed): The Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Jemal Beker on Monday hosted a reception on the evening of the Ethiopian New Year 2016 in Islamabad.
Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula said that on this day his countrymen reaffirm their faith in love, forgiveness, unity and harmony which they consider as defining values of their nation. This is also a sign of the country’s diversity which he called the Ehiopian’s wealth and strength.
About the New Year of Ethiopia, he said Ethiopia had its own alphabetic-Geez, a unique calendar system that has 13 months—12 months of 30 days and a 13th month having 5-days that counts 6 every four years to make up for a leap year. “This public holiday in Ethiopia is celebrated on September 11 unless it is a leap year in the Ethiopian calendar, in which case it is celebrated on September 12.
“A gap of seven to eight years between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars results from an alternative calculation in determining the date of the Annunciation,” the ambassador tried to explain to an amused audience.
Festivities to celebrate Ethiopian New year include family gatherings to enjoy a traditional Enkutatash meal and celebrate together by giving children gifts.
Dean of the Diplomatic Missions, Ambassador of Yemen, High Commissioner of South Africa, Charge d Affairs Zimbabwe, Counselor Embassy of Egypt, Ambassador of Morocco, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Honorary Cousul General Ethopia in Karachi and Chief guest Federal Minister for commerce were among the prominent figures who attended the reception and congratulated him on this auspicious day as well as welcomed his family and the staff the Ethiopian mission in Pakistan.
About establishing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Ethiopia, he said what should have been done 76 years ago is accomplished now but he hoped the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan would grow steadily as both the countries shared similar culture, sights and many other things.
Ethiopia he said was the land of Origin, the Lucy the human fossil that is believed to be the first human, the Land of Coffee where coffee gets its name from the place called Keffa, and the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. Another reason Ethiopia is famous around the world is running. The country has produced some of the best athletes in the world, the ambassador said. Moreover, he said Ethiopia is a land of wonder, archeological, nature and contrast of nature.
The ambassador said since he arrived in Pakistan he was highly moved by the hospitality, generosity and sincerity of the people of Pakistan. He also highlighted the progress of his embassy’s one year performance with great success and thanked to everyone who played a great role to enhance the relationship between Pakistan and Ethiopia. Jemal Beker was in a view that Pakistan has its best business community and he will further looking forward to boost the Diplomatic and business ties between two countries.
At the end, a cake cutting ceremony was also held and Ambassador thanked the Cheif Guest and others Guest for their participation in the event as well as for their contribution in strengthening Ethopia’s relations with Pakistan.
