ISLAMABAD: Special Envoy and Ambassador of Ethiopia Dr Jemal Beker Abdula was conferred Global Ambassador Award on Wednesday for his diplomatic achievements in fostering closer ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.

The Diplomatic Insight, a public diplomacy organisation based in Pakistan, recognised Ambassador Jemal Beker for his significant contributions to enhancing bilateral, regional, and multilateral relations between the two nations.

The award was presented at the 6th Global Ambassador Awards Ceremony 2024 in Islamabad, attended by ambassadors, government officials, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives.

A statement issued here said that Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

Ambassador Jemal Beker, an experience diplomat had previously served in Ethiopian missions in Australia, Bahrain, and Pakistan. His diplomatic efforts had been recognised with multiple awards, including the Best Ambassador Award from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Peace Award from the National Peace and Justice Council of Pakistan, and a Comstech Award for promoting friendship between Ethiopia and Pakistan, the statement said.

Since establishing the Ethiopian Mission in Pakistan two years ago, Ambassador Jemal Beker had launched significant initiatives, including the Ethiopian Airlines service in Karachi, organising multiple trade delegations, and facilitating agreements in commerce, health, science, and technology.

His leadership in promoting Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, an afforestation project launched by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, had also contributed to strengthening food security and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.

Ambassador Jemal Beker’s work had successfully deepened government-to-government and people-to-people connections, as well as economic and societal cooperation between Ethiopia and Pakistan.

This award further highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, celebrating a new era of enhanced relations and collaboration.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024