New Delhi, ):Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina still grieves the assassination of her father -- the country's founder -- nearly 50 years ago, and her government ensures the nation grieves with her.
Once sidelined from official history, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is now the subject of a personality cult that designates him "Father of the Nation".
Hasina has foregrounded his legacy in what critics say is an effort to entrench her ruling Awami League, which dominates national politics and is set to sweep elections Sunday following an opposition boycott.
Her government has also enacted stiff punishments for any comments, written work or social media posts that could be construed as defaming his legacy.
"She has basically introduced a secular blasphemy law in the country for her father -- the kind we see in one-party states," a senior human rights activist in Bangladesh told AFP, asking for anonymity out of fear of retribution.Bangladesh’s political personality cult
Supreme Court resumes hearing lifetime disqualification case
The Supreme Court Thursday resumed the hearing on a case related to the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa determined to settle the issue “once and for all”.
The apex court’s decision in the case is expected to significantly impact the country’s political landscape, as Pakistan heads towards a crucial general election, scheduled to take place on February 8.
A seven-member bench — headed by CJP Isa and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali — is conducting hearing on the case.
The proceedings of the case are being broadcast live on SC’s website and YouTube channel.
The fate of many politicians, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) founder Jahangir Tareen, depends on the verdict of this case.
Whether the aforementioned politicians can contest the upcoming polls or not will be determined once the apex court makes a decision.
The SC conducted the last hearing of this case on January 2, during which CJP Isa advised against assuming that a particular party was being favoured.
“This is a constitutional issue, which we are going to settle once and for all, and we will try to conclude it quickly in order to prevent confusion for the returning officers (ROs) while receiving nomination papers for the upcoming elections,” he remarked after hearing the parties.
The apex court took notice of contradictions regarding the duration of disqualification in the Election Act, 2017 and a Supreme Court verdict during the hearing of a petition filed by former PML-N provincial lawmaker Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani last month.
Qaisrani had challenged his lifetime disqualification over a fake degree in 2007.
During the hearing on December 11 last year, CJP Faez Isa observed that the Supreme Court’s judgment on lifetime disqualification and the amendments made to the Elections Act 2017 could not exist simultaneously.
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa Thursday said lifetime disqualification under Article 62(1)(F) was determined according to one’s own perception and not the Constitution.
The top judge’s remark came during the hearing of the case pertaining to the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under the aforementioned article which deals with the criteria to contest elections.
A seven-member bench — headed by CJP Isa and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali — is hearing the case.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan also appeared before the court. Lawyers Reema Omar, Azir Bhandari and Faisal Siddiqui have been appointed as amici curiae.
During the hearing, the chief justice also warned against spreading confusion related to elections, as the polls are being held on February 8. “Filing cases in different courts will create obstacles in the way of elections,” he noted.
Lawyer Khurram Raza who was representing petitioners Fayaz Ahmed Ghori and Sajjadul Hasan faced immense grilling by the seven-member bench — headed by the chief justice — for his defence of lifetime disqualification of parliamentarians.
At one point, CJP Isa observed that the counsel he was siding with “dictators”.
The lawyer argued that the constitutional amendment is needed to end lifelong disqualification.
At this, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail asked the lawyer whether the Parliament cannot legislate. “Parliament legislates but the Supreme Court interprets it,” Raza responded.
The case
The fate of many politicians, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) founder Jahangir Tareen, depends on the verdict of this case.
Whether the aforementioned politicians can contest the upcoming polls or not will be determined by the outcome of the case.
The SC conducted the last hearing of this case on January 2, during which CJP Isa advised against assuming that a particular party was being favoured.
After hearing all parties in the case during the last hearing, the CJP said: “This is a constitutional issue, which we are going to settle once and for all, and we will try to conclude it quickly in order to prevent confusion for the returning officers (ROs) while receiving nomination papers for the upcoming elections,” he remarked after hearing the parties.
The apex court took notice of contradictions regarding the duration of disqualification in the Election Act, 2017 and a Supreme Court verdict during the hearing of a petition filed by former PML-N provincial lawmaker Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani last month.
Qaisrani had challenged his lifetime disqualification over a fake degree in 2007.
During the hearing on December 11 last year, CJP Faez Isa observed that the Supreme Court’s judgment on lifetime disqualification and the amendments made to the Elections Act 2017 could not exist simultaneously.
He had said either the legislation enacted by the parliament to the Elections Act 2017 would prevail or the judgment, delivered by the Supreme Court.
“The issue has to be settled once and for all,” the CJP had remarked and referred the matter to a three-member committee, constituted under Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 that decides fixation of cases before benches of the apex court.
The Supreme Court, in a judgment in 2018, had held that any person disqualified under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution would be considered disqualified for lifetime.
Later on, the former coalition government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) made an amendment to the Elections Act 2017, decreasing the legislators’ disqualification to five years, retrospectively.
Former three-time prime minister Nawaz and IPP chief Tareen are the only two lawmakers who were disqualified for life in June and December 2017, respectively, after they were found to be “dishonest” under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.
Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack that took place earlier today in the Martyrs Cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman, Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the Government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy.
Pakistan believes that terrorism is a menace and threat to regional and global peace and security. It needs to be confronted through bilateral and regional cooperation.
100 effective marketing ideas for top sales results!
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As an author, she published the book together with Hermann Scherer: “Marketing beyond mediocrity – 100 best practice examples”
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Success marketing package
“100 effective marketing ideas for top sales results”
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The package contains:
- 5 online videos (complete live recording of the one-day online seminar with René Penselin)
- 1 online video (complete live recording of Jeannine Halene’s guest appearance)
- 1 PDF with the complete seminar presentations
- 1 eBook with practical instructions for creating your marketing plan
- 3 mind map overviews of acquisition and marketing channels
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- 1 checklist of daily marketing tips
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297 € / normal price
99 € / special price
Price including 19% VAT.
The debit will be made to your account by DigiStore24. Delivery takes place via online access immediately after your order. You will then find the video and additional materials on a password-protected page.
PS: After working through the success package, you will approach your business with numerous ideas, a concrete marketing plan and new power.
You’ve seen what’s included in the marketing package. What we offer you here is enormous and you will certainly come to the conclusion that the price is more than fair. Especially since you will recoup your investment in this package xfold within a short period of time if you only implement a fraction of the content.
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Kind regards,
René Penselin
What customers say about my strategy recommendations:
« A power day that deserves its name! The all-day marketing webinar really has it all. I went into my first long webinar (7 ½ hours) skeptical and asked myself: How can the moderator do this, how can I do this? Cheers! Wonderful. In the end I was really , really happy with the result .
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Of course, this is to some extent your own effort, but it also has a lot to do with who got you to your goal, who gave you the courage to climb, who encouraged your endurance, who helped you through difficult passages: the mountain guide .
René fulfilled this function perfectly in his power webinar. With him I managed to reach previously unknown heights . He was fun to listen to (I don’t think I was distracted once); It was fun to take part and actually forget how far apart each participant was. There was an incredible amount of information and a lot of everyday and immediately implementable knowledge .
That leaves you wanting more! Small, inconspicuous scenes, such as: B. the spontaneous solution of secondary questions (how do I protect a self-developed concept?) show how much passion René puts into always providing his participants with added value.
Thank you very, very much for that. In summary, I only have two words: highly recommended! »
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Certified trainer and owner of KemmlerTraining from Lauf
«Wow, it was a seminar day full of aha effects! The time flew by!
So far, my relationship to marketing my own business has been rather ambivalent, but René Penselin is excellent at getting people excited about it. He shares his enormous knowledge with the course participants with wit and ease. It’s incredibly fun to immerse yourself in the images and stories he uses to illustrate the content. It creates a pleasant atmosphere in the virtual space that allows everyone to exchange ideas informally.
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President of the IHK Leipzig and Managing Director of IMO Leipzig GmbH
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David Nitescu and Janine Kleidorfer
Change Management and Career Coaching
« I really enjoyed your lecture and really encouraged me to leave old and well-worn paths. The days after your talk I had lots of new ideas in my head and I went to my desk incredibly motivated! Super thank you!!”
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health expert
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Project Manager media project AG
DR SHUMAILA KHAN: An Aesthetic Physician par excellence
Mudassar Raja
INTRODUCTION: Dr. Shumaila Khan is a well-known & energetic Aesthetic Physician, best Injector and Laser therapist, is running ‘Dr Shumaila Khan’s Dermalase’, in Islamabad. She has done her MBBS from Baqai Medical University, Karachi and started her career in Karachi. She further joined Dermatology department of PIMS Islamabad, wherein she worked under renowned Dermatologists of Pakistan. Later on, she went to Cardiff University Wales (UK) for post-graduation in Dermatology. After successful completion of post-graduation from Cardiff, she joined American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (USA) to become Diplomate in Aesthetic, Laser and Mesotherapy. Moreover, she has advanced training in Aesthetic Medicines on facial transformation from Derma Medical UK.
She is a member of many prestigious societies/groups of Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine like; American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM) and Pakistan Academy of Aesthetic Dermatologists & Surgeons (PAADS). Besides that, she is an expert in Cosmetology and Laser therapy and has earned many training in Aesthetic Medicines.
She gave an exlusive interview to Daily Islamabad POST and CENTRELINE magazine. Here is the text of her interview.
1: What are some of the most common skin conditions Pakistanis are faced with?
Pakistan, like many other countries, has a diverse population with varying skin types and environmental factors that can contribute to a range of skin conditions. Some of the common skin conditions faced by Pakistanis include:
Acne: Acne is a widespread skin condition affecting people of all ages. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental conditions can contribute to acne.
Pigmentation Issues: Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) are common concerns. These can be caused by sun exposure, inflammation, or skin injuries.
Eczema (Dermatitis): Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and dry skin. Environmental factors, genetics, and allergies can contribute to eczema.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin’s surface. It can be triggered by various factors, including genetics and stress.
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections, such as ringworm and tinea versicolor, are common in warm and humid climates. These infections can affect different parts of the body.
Melasma: Melasma is a condition characterized by dark patches on the skin, often on the face. Hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics can contribute to melasma.
Urticaria (Hives): Urticaria is characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, medications, and stress.
Scabies: Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by mites. It results in intense itching and a rash, often in the webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, and other body parts.
Burns: Accidental burns, whether from hot surfaces, liquids, or other sources, can lead to various skin issues and scarring.
Skin Cancer: Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen and protective measures are essential in preventing skin cancer.
It’s important to note that the prevalence of these conditions can vary among individuals, and seeking advice from healthcare professionals is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Additionally, cultural practices, lifestyle, and environmental factors can influence the prevalence of certain skin conditions in different regions of Pakistan.
2: Why did you pursue a career as an Aesthetic medicine?
When I decided to pursue a career in Aesthetic Medicine, there were only a handful of doctors dedicated to this field. It is inherent in every individual to harbor a desire to look and feel good. A pleasing appearance not only enhances one’s outer allure but also boosts inner confidence. This natural inclination towards aesthetics led to a widespread interest in Aesthetic Medicine upon its introduction in Pakistan.
My profound interest in this field is rooted in a genuine passion for assisting those seeking to enhance their physical appearance, ultimately elevating their confidence levels. My primary goal is to contribute to the well-being of individuals by helping them cultivate presentable and confident personalities. I take immense satisfaction in knowing that my work has brought joy and improved the lives of many.
3: What are your strengths as an Aesthetic medicine?
As an Aesthetic medicine physician, cultivating a diverse set of strengths is essential for achieving success in a dynamic and competitive field. Beyond mastering technical skills, your success hinges on a combination of interpersonal finesse and business acumen. Here are some key strengths to elevate your profile as an esthetician:
Comprehensive Expertise:
Master a broad spectrum of skincare and beauty treatments, showcasing your versatility. This not only enhances your service offerings but also positions you as a well-rounded professional capable of addressing various client needs.
Continuous Learning:
Stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technological advancements. This commitment to ongoing education demonstrates your dedication to providing cutting-edge services, keeping you ahead in the rapidly evolving world of beauty and skincare.
Effective Communication:
Possess excellent communication skills to discern and comprehend clients’ unique needs and preferences. The ability to convey information clearly and concisely fosters a positive client experience and ensures that their expectations are met.
Rapport Building:
Establish a strong rapport with clients by creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Building a connection goes beyond just the technical aspects of your job; it involves making clients feel at ease, enhancing their overall satisfaction with your services.
Active Listening:
Actively listen to clients to identify their concerns, preferences, and expectations. This not only helps customize treatments to individual needs but also fosters trust, as clients appreciate being heard and valued.
Feedback Responsiveness:
Respond thoughtfully to client feedback during and after treatments. Addressing concerns promptly and professionally not only resolves issues but also showcases your commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction.
By prioritizing and honing these strengths, one can not only enhance her effectiveness as an esthetician but also position herslef for long-term success in the competitive beauty and skincare industry. Embrace a holistic approach that combines technical prowess with excellent interpersonal and business-related qualities to create a fulfilling and prosperous career.
5: People often complain that some of the treatments especially fillers may have side effects also. What is your onionin?
Complaints about fillers are virtually nonexistent when the procedure is carried out by highly skilled and well-trained medical professionals.
Enhancing the perfection of fillers is intricately linked to the choice of products utilized throughout the procedure. Opting for premium-quality products, particularly those manufactured in Europe and other reputable countries, plays a pivotal role in achieving exceptional results. The efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of the procedure are significantly heightened when employing top-tier products, as they are designed with advanced formulations and adhere to stringent quality standards. Therefore, the selection of high-quality fillers sourced from reputable regions becomes a crucial factor in maximizing the perfection and overall success of the procedure.
6: Anything you would like to add.
Aesthetic medicine stands as a burgeoning and specialized field, uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and beauty. Given its focus on the physical appearances of individuals and the universal desire for self-improvement, this field operates under a zero-tolerance policy for imperfections. The pursuit of enhancing one’s aesthetic appeal is a delicate and intricate process, making it one of the most challenging vocations. Achieving perfection in this realm necessitates the expertise of a seasoned and well-trained staff. The commitment to sculpting an individual’s appearance requires a blend of artistry, medical knowledge, and a nuanced understanding of each client’s unique needs. In this realm, the margin for error is razor-thin, demanding a level of precision that can only be attained through the hands of professionals with a wealth of experience. As the demand for aesthetic enhancements continues to rise, the importance of a highly skilled and adept workforce in this field becomes increasingly evident.
Atif Ikram, President FPCCI warmly welcomed in FPCCI capital house
DNA
ISLAMABAD, JAN 3: Newly elected President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh arrives in the FPCCI Capital Office Islamabad with a big crowd consisting of the members of business community of Islamabad and adjacent areas. The Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik and Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail Hussain and Vice Presidents of FPCCI namely Ashfaq Ahmed and Tariq Jadoon, warmly welcomed him and showered flower leaves on him. On this occasion, on a festive event, special band was arranged to congratulate him and celebrated his historic victory in FPCCI’s election. Earlier the crowd escorted him from his residence to FPCCI Capital House Islamabad.
Various business leaders of UBG and Founder Group of Islamabad CCI prominently Zubair Malilk, Tariq Sadiq, Former Presidents FPCCI Rauf Alam, Zubair Ahmed Malik, former Vice President PCCI and General Secretary UBG Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman Founder Group ICCI Khalid Iqbal Malik, Mian Akram Farid, Mian Shaukat Masood, Mohammad Ijaz Abbasi, Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Acting President ICCI Engineer Azhar -ul -Islam, President Islamabad Woman Chamber Rizwana Asif, and All Officials of Islamabad and Rawalpindi All Trade Bodies, businessmen, industrialists were present on the occasion and expressed their views.
While speaking during the ceremony, FPCCI’s newly elected President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that all will have to work jointly to solve the problems of the country’s development, industry, commerce, business and investment, to solve the problems of the business community.
He stressed on devising charter of economy to bring out Pakistan from current economic crises.
He further said that trade and industry is the engine of Pakistan’s economy which need to strengthened and the business community is the driver of trade and industry.
He said that the energy crisis is intensifying, industries are closing down, joint efforts of public and private sector are needed to solve problems. He added that it is our responsibility to bring out the country from economic challenges. The government institutions and political parties should include the business community as stakeholders in business policy making. He said that all political parties should add charter of economy in their manifesto and ensure that they will work for the economic development to ensure sustainable and long -term economic policies. He said that the FPCCI will play an effective role in creating harmony among all stakeholders at the national level regarding the economy.
On this occasion, Karim Aziz Malik Chairman Capital Office Islamabad urged to review economic policies. The government has to make long -term and consistent policies for development and improvement of the industry. He said that the continuous increase in electricity and gas prices could endanger the pace of industrial growth. He demanded the government and especially the finance minister to take steps to bring interest rates to a single digit so that the availability of capital at low and tolerant interest rates to the businesses could be ensured.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairman Coordination FPCCI Capital Office said that we are committed to solve the problems of business community of entire country and the problems of industry of Pakistan.
Sohail Malik said that FPCCI has its fingers on the pulse of our economy and we know the problems and difficulties that are facing by the business community. He said that all Chambers of Commerce, Trade associations are now united under one roof of FPCCI.
Pakistan, Afghanistan reinforce commitment to bilateral engagement
ISLAMABAD, JAN 3 /DNA/ – A productive meeting was held between interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Mullah Shirin, the Governor of Kandahar. Both parties reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to sustaining engagement and fostering mutually advantageous ties with Afghanistan.During the discussion, emphasis was placed on the necessity of addressing all pertinent issues to unlock the complete potential for trade and connectivity between the two nations.This meeting underscores the ongoing commitment to bolstering relations and fostering cooperation for the collective benefit of both countries.
Cigarette industry drains Rs 567 billion potential revenue in past seven years
ISLAMABAD, JAN 3 /DNA/ – The pervasive influence of Pakistan’s cigarette industry on policymaking has not only exacted a toll on both the nation’s financial well-being and public health, but also caused a staggering Rs 567 billion loss in revenue over the last decade.
The alarming loss of revenue was unearthed through a comprehensive study delving into the dynamics of the cigarette sector and scrutinizing Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) data by the SDPI.
According to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) the total costs attributable to smoking-related diseases and deaths in Pakistan for 2019 reached an additional Rs 615.07 billion ($3.85 billion), with indirect costs (morbidity and mortality) making up 70% of the total cost.
However, the cigarette industry managed to influence decision making, which not only resulted in Rs 567 billion loss in potential revenue but also put extra burden on the country’s fragile healthcare system, the SDPI study reveals.
In its report titled “Pakistan: Overview of Tobacco Use, Tobacco Control Legislation, and Taxation”, the World Bank has also revealed that the decline in government revenue in the 2016-2017 fiscal year was carefully planned by the powerful cigarette industry.
The study brings attention to the influence of multinational companies and the introduction of a three-tier excise duty structure, raising concerns about tax evasion and its adverse effects on public health.
The intricate examination of associated factors indicates that safeguarding revenue streams while prioritizing public health requires a careful reevaluation of tax policies, it said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need to safeguard tobacco tax policies from vested interests of cigarette companies for effective development, implementation, and enforcement of public health initiatives. However, it did not happen in Pakistan, the study said.
The study also highlighted how high and middle-income countries successfully imposed high taxes on cigarette products to decrease consumption and increase government revenues, but the fact remains that Pakistan still lacks a clear strategy on using cigarette taxation and prices as a public health tool.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Senate Special Committee, and the Auditor General of Pakistan Revenue (AGPR) have also endorsed the challenges posed by the multinational cigarette industry, according to the study.
The cigarette industry in Pakistan is dominated by two multinational companies who sell household brands across Pakistan, which gives them immense control and influence over policymakers. The multinationals have long been blamed for forcing the government to rely on questionable data on the cigarette market.
As the nation grapples with these alarming findings, experts suggest that implementing high taxes on cigarettes can serve as a proactive measure in promoting public health and simultaneously bolstering the nation’s economic well-being, the SDPI said. DNA
Ethiopia’s access to sea crucial for regional integration, peace & prosperity: Ambassador Jemal
ISLAMABAD, JAN 3 /DNA/ – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Wednesday said the Government of Ethiopia had achieved aspirations of its people by securing access to the sea which was crucial for regional integration, peace and prosperity.
The Ambassador said signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Somaliland for sea access was a true reflection of the strong commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to the regional integration, collective peace, security and socio-economic development.
He said the credit for this breakthrough goes to H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of FDR Ethiopia, who already won the Nobel Peace Prize for his strong commitment to peace and prosperity.
H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had a clear vision not only for the development in Ethiopia but for the entire Africa and the world, the ambassador remarked.
The Ambassador said Ethiopia was already sharing its resources with the neighboring countries in Africa fostering strong connections with the brotherly countries. Currently, Ethiopia was exporting energy to Djibouti, Kenya and Sudan contributing to the regional integration and development in a massive way, he added.
The work on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was almost completed which would not only produce more than 5,150 Megawatts of the electricity, but also supplement efforts of the Government of Ethiopia in promoting regional development and prosperity, the Ambassador noted.
Ambassador Jemal Beker expressed gratitude to Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland, for supporting Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea.
