Islamabad: On October 2, 2024, a significant meeting took place between Ethiopian Ambassador Jamal Bakr Abdullah and Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, focusing on youth empowerment and strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting underscored the large youth demographics in both nations and explored potential collaborative efforts to harness this demographic towards positive national impacts. Ambassador Abdullah emphasized the proactive role of Ethiopian youth in environmental conservation and their pivotal contributions to combating climate change.

Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan lauded Ethiopia’s developmental strides and expressed admiration for the initiatives under its current leadership. He highlighted the parallel efforts in Pakistan, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at uplifting young people through various programs. “These initiatives are a testament to our dedication to empowering the youth, which is crucial for the future prosperity of our nations,” Khan remarked.

In a move to further economic cooperation, Ambassador Abdullah extended an invitation to Pakistani traders to participate in a single-country exhibition in Ethiopia, scheduled for January 2025. This event is anticipated to open new avenues for trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue this dialogue and foster initiatives that will directly benefit the youth of both countries, setting a foundational step for future collaborations that aim to harness the energy and creativity of young populations to drive sustainable development and innovation.