Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Ethiopia Over Landslide Incident in Gofa Zone

Addis Ababa July 30/2024 (ENA)  The Government and people of Pakistan have expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Ethiopia in the aftermath of landslide incident that occurred in Gofa Zone of the Southern Ethiopia region.

Individuals from the different walks of the life including Parliamentarians, diplomatic and religious community, business and media fraternity, youth and civil society have visited Ethiopia’s Embassy in  Islamabad to express their condolences over the tragic incident that claimed lives of many citizens.

The Government Officials including Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam phoned Jemal Beker, Special Envoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of  Ethiopia to Pakistan, for expressing condolences and solidarity with the Ethiopia over the incident.

They expressed their commitment to support the people of Ethiopia in this time of grief, according to the embassy's press release sent to ENA.  

On Tuesday, Ambassador Jemal held separate meetings with  Senator Mushahid Hussain and Director General (Africa) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Hasnain Yousaf who also expressed condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families. 

Chairman of Press Council of Pakistan Arshad Khan Jadoon and Chairman, Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan, Muhammad Abdullah Hameed Gul were also among the prominent guests who visited the Embassy to condole over the incident. 

A big delegation of business community led by President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and Chairman Pakistan Africa Friendship Association Zafar Bakhtawari also visited the Embassy for the purpose.

On the occasion, Ambassador Jemal briefed the visitors about relief and rescue efforts of the Government of Ethiopia being carried out for permanent relocation of the affected persons in sustainable manner.

The Ambassador also highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative of  Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which was aimed at combating climate challenges and ensuring food security in the country and region as well.

He informed the delegates that Ethiopia had planted more than 40 billion seedlings of indigenous plants of fruits, vegetable and animal feed in the last four years through massive mobilization of the masses. 

The ambassador  further expressed his commitment to work with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for addressing the climate issues through joint initiatives under the Green Legacy Initiative.

He said the Embassy would soon launch 2nd round of the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under the Green Legacy Initiative which was launched across Pakistan in 2023.

Senator Mushahid Hussain lauded  PM Abiy for his leadership role in uniting the country to address its contemporary challenges including climate related issues.

President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri assured the Ambassador of the full support of business community in taking joint climate related initiatives.