Ethiopia, Pakistan Discuss Defense, Aviation Cooperation

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and Pakistan explored various avenues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in different areas such as defense and aviation, Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad revealed.Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker discussed with Minister for Defense and Aviation of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.On the occasion, both sides exchanged views on full spectrum of ongoing bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.Ambassador Jemal expressed his gratitude for a continued support of the Government of Pakistan to the Government of Ethiopia at bilateral and multilateral level.The Ambassador briefed the minister on ongoing economic reforms carried out by the Government of Ethiopia to achieve macroeconomic stability, attracting FDI, increasing productivity and job creation.He also apprised the minister about relief and rescue efforts carried out in Gofa region of Ethiopia for permanent relocation of the affected persons.Expressing hi s condolences for the loss of lives in landslide incidents that took place in Gofa region of Ethiopia, the minister reiterated the Government's commitment and support to the people and Government of Ethiopia in difficult times.Khawaja Asif expressed his government's commitment to increase its presence in the African continent of more than 1.4 billion people and untapped resources.The Minister recognized the pivotal role of Ethiopia in effective implementation of Look Africa and Engage Africa policy of the Government of Pakistan that gives utmost priority to Ethiopia which is a gate way to Africa.Khawaja Asif appreciated arrival of the Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi which has given a major boost to the bilateral relations of the two countries especially people-to-people and business-to-business ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan as well connect the rest of Africa.He also lauded the economic progress achieved by Ethiopia under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who successfully imp lemented home grown economic reforms for peace and prosperity in the country.Source: Ethiopian News Agency