Zubair Qureshi
The federal capital on Friday witnessed fusion of colours, cuisines and cultures under one roof at the ‘Day of Africa’ celebrated by the African countries missions at the Islamabad Serena Hotel.
The event turned out to be a small festival as a large number of diplomats, parliamentarians, the government officials and representatives from various organizations turned up to congratulate Dean of the African Group Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco, and heads of missions from various African countries on the occasion.
Federal Minister for Energy MussadaqMasood Malik was the chief guest on the occasion. In his remarks, the Chief Guest emphasized the growing trade and business relations between Pakistan and the African countries since there was a huge potential in this sector lying untapped.
The event highlighted the strong diplomatic ties and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and the African nations.
The event, held to commemorate the Africa Day 2024 and forge strong connection between African Nations and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan featured cultural shows, African heritage and diverse cuisines of different countries of Africa.
Upon arrival, the guests were accorded a warm welcome by Dean of the African Group Mohamed Karmoune and other heads of missions and diplomats from the African countries.
Different African countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Zimbabwe and others set up their food and culinary stalls on the occasion to offer unique and diverse tastes of African food.
There were a number of stalls representing various African countries and their traditional and popular art, craft, heritage, handicraft and other products. The visitors took keen interest in the jewelry items, the Egyptian sculptures of Pharaohs, ancient tools and relics, etc.
One important feature of the African Day celebrations was the delightful Ethiopian food that attracted a large number of guests for its rich flavours, diversity and cultural significance.
However, the food stall set up by the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Islamabad attracted a large number of participants who delightfully enjoyed deep culinary traditions of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian food stall featured savory and mouth-watering delights including Enjra, Doro Wot, ShiroWot, Kitfo, Chechebsa with honey, Minchet, Fosolia, Tibs, Ayeb, DefoDabo and on top of that Ethiopian coffee.
The visitors also like the African food and according to them it was similar to the Pakistani food in spices and cuisine that showed a strong connection between the two nations. “Actually, it is Enjra and Doro Wot that stimulated my cravings to savour and taste all of the Ethiopian food in this stall,” he added. Jamila, a member of Ethiopian Diaspora in Pakistan, said “we are very proud of our unique cuisine that has vibrant flavour and taste.
