ISLAMABAD: African countries diplomats vowed to further extends ties with Pakistan, saying the two sides can cooperate in diverse sectors science, technology, agriculture, and trade. They expressed these remarks during an event organized by Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development & Research (PAIDAR) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in Islamabad.
On the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, commended Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed for his initiative in establishing PAIDAR, aiming to enhance Pakistan’s focus on Africa through academic research and development partnerships. He recalled the historic Bandung Conference and Pakistan’s unwavering support for Africa’s liberation struggles and peacekeeping efforts.
Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Envoys Corps and Ambassador of Morocco emphasized mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity between Pakistan and Africa, advocating for joint ventures in key sectors like science, technology, agriculture, and trade.
Jemal Beker praised Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ and ‘Engage Africa’ policies, noting positive outcomes like Ethiopia’s mission in Islamabad and direct flights. He highlighted opportunities for both sides in various sectors.
Mary Nyambura Kamau, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan emphasized historical cooperation and urged active exploration of collaboration areas, engagement with regional economic communities, and enhancing economic cooperation through trade, investment, and technology.
Ambassador Aftab Hassan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa stressed the need for robust high-level contacts and institutional mechanisms to sustain long-term cooperation, proposing practical measures for deeper engagement.
Ambassador Atif Sharif Mian, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union underscored the importance of Pakistan’s relations with Ethiopia, aligning with the ‘Engage Africa’ policy and Ethiopia’s decision to establish a mission in Islamabad.
Ambassador Arshad Jan Pathan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Mauritius called for collective efforts to make the ‘Engage Africa’ policy successful, highlighting challenges and suggesting solutions for increased collaboration.
Zafar Bakhtawri, Secretary General of United Business Group (UBG) emphasized exploring business opportunities and increasing the presence of missions between Pakistan and Africa across various sectors.
Shehryar Akbar Khan, Additional Secretary Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and prosperity under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy, noting the successful execution of Phase-I and plans for further diplomatic missions.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the brain behind this initiative, unveiled the objectives of PAIDAR as its founding President during a well-attended seminar hosted by ISSI.
The seminar, themed “Reviving the Bandung spirit of Afro-Asian solidarity: Pakistan-Africa relations,” welcomed ambassadors, scholars, dignitaries, and representatives from various African nations.
Senator Mushahid Hussain highlighted the historical significance of PAIDAR’s launch, coinciding with the 69th anniversary of the Bandung Conference of Asian and African nations.
He emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in the resurgence of the Global South and Pakistan’s longstanding ties with the continent, dating back to the pre-independence era.
Senator Mushahid Hussain underscored Pakistan’s support for African liberation movements and its contributions to the development of newly independent African countries.
The initiative received positive feedback from African ambassadors, who welcomed PAIDAR as a platform to strengthen Pakistan-Africa relations across multiple domains. They commended Senator Mushahid Hussain’s vision and stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Senator Mushahid Hussain outlined PAIDAR’s objectives, focusing on restoring Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities and promoting people-to-people exchanges and business connectivity between Pakistan and Africa.
He announced plans for various activities, including the publication of a regular newsletter and the celebration of important African anniversaries.
The formal launch ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman of ISSI, and Ambassador Suhail Mehmood, Director General of ISSI. Senator Mushahid Hussain expressed gratitude for their support and reiterated PAIDAR’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s interests in Africa.
PAIDAR’s establishment marks a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa and fostering mutual cooperation in areas of common interest.
