Pakistan and Ethiopia have reviewed progress on a proposed visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. The move aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The matter was discussed during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Ethiopian Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba.
The proposed agreement would apply only to people holding diplomatic and official passports. It would not cover ordinary passport holders. However, no date has been announced for signing the agreement.
Rana Ihsan Afzal, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
What did Pakistan say about pharmaceutical exports?
During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan asked Ethiopia to make it easier for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to enter its market. He also called for a solution to problems affecting the registration of medicines.
The minister said Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry had strong potential to export medicines to African countries.
Ethiopian Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba said he had raised pending registration cases with the relevant authorities. He added that the authorities had assured him that the issues would be addressed.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul also stressed the need for an Ethiopian technical team to visit Pakistan soon. The team would inspect and assess Pakistani pharmaceutical companies.
What else did the two countries discuss?
Both sides agreed to work together to remove trade barriers and improve business links. They also agreed to maintain close contact between their relevant institutions.
The meeting also covered Ethiopia’s process of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
US and Ethiopia
Previously, the United States (US) announced visa restrictions on certain people. According to the details, it says that these restrictions are for individuals who are involved in undermining peace in Ethiopia.
According to the details, the US State Department said the restrictions mainly target hardline leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their immediate family members.
“Today, pursuant to his authority under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Secretary Rubio is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on hardline members of the TPLF and their immediate family members,” the statement reads.
