ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, called on the Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, at CDA Headquarters today. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere in which matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in urban development, and tree plantation drive, streams came under discussion, with an emphasis on sustainable city management.
Chairman CDA apprised H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula about the performance of CDA, particularly the key development projects completed as well as those currently underway in Islamabad. He highlighted the Authority’s strategic vision to transform the capital into a modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable city. The Chairman also briefed the Ambassador about CDA’s special focus on uplifting of the water channels and creating eco-friendly public spaces that enhance the city’s livability and global appeal.
During the meeting, H.E. Jemal Beker proposed Ethiopia’s participation in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills plantation campaign, inspired by Ethiopia’s Green Corridor Project in Addis Ababa. In response, Chairman CDA welcomed the proposal and confirmed that land would be allocated in Islamabad for the establishment of an “Ethiopia–Pakistan Fraternity Park” as part of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.
Chairman CDA also welcomed the idea of establishing a sister-city relationship between Islamabad and Addis Ababa aimed at fostering people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and collaboration in areas such as municipal management, riverbank rehabilitation, and green urban solutions. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s expertise in urban sustainability could significantly benefit Islamabad’s future development plans.
H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula appreciated the excellent performance of CDA under the leadership of Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa for making Islamabad a beautiful capital. He expressed Ethiopia’s keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of capital city sustainable infrastructure, and environment-friendly urban growth. The Ambassador also showed interest in learning from Pakistan’s experience in managing capital city development.
Both sides agreed to explore new avenues of collaboration in smart city solutions, urban greenery, and capacity building through institutional linkages and technical exchanges. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a mutual resolve to advance practical cooperation between the two nations through sustained engagement.
