Mushahid Hussain Sayed of PAIDAR affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Africa, emphasizing collaboration with Tunisia. Participants stressed the importance of deepening economic ties and cultural exchanges while recalling historical support for Tunisia’s independence. The event showcased potential growth opportunities across various sectors, highlighting the strategic importance of partnerships between Pakistan and Africa.
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to Africa during an event celebrating Tunisia’s Independence Day. He underscored that the future is aligned with the Global South and highlighted the historical significance of Pakistan-Tunisia relations within a broader foreign policy context, recalling the country’s solidarity with North African liberation movements.
Addressing the need for enhanced economic and strategic relations with Africa, Mr. Mushahid recommended initiatives such as the ‘Engage Africa’ policy. He praised Tunisia for its resilience and leadership, advocating for increased trade, educational, and cultural exchanges between the two nations to strengthen people-to-people connections and business collaborations.
Dorsaf Maaroufi, Charge d’Affaires of Tunisia, recognized the importance of Tunisia’s Independence Day as a milestone in its journey towards sovereignty and progress. She acknowledged Pakistan’s unwavering support during Tunisia’s fight for independence and emphasized the potential for expanded economic cooperation, particularly leveraging Tunisia’s strategic location and recent business engagements, including the upcoming FITA 2025 forum aimed at boosting trade and investment.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the strong bond between Pakistan and Tunisia based on shared history and culture. He reminisced about Pakistan’s backing of Tunisia’s independence and discussed the ‘Engage Africa’ policy aimed at enhancing trade and collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry, including conversations surrounding a Preferential Trade Agreement.
Amina Khan, Director of ISSI, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its relationship with Africa under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy, stressing the imperative need to enhance trade and investment ties. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening its relationships both with Tunisia and the wider African continent.
Ambassador Javed Ahmed Umrani of Pakistan to Tunisia highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries since 1958. He noted a bilateral trade volume of $13.58 million for 2023-2024 and anticipates future cooperation in vital sectors like telecommunications, health, education, and agriculture.
Suhail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, acknowledged Tunisia’s role in regional and global matters, including its principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute during its Security Council term. Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson of the ISSI Board of Governors, also contributed to the discussions at the event.
In summary, Mushahid Hussain Sayed’s remarks during the event highlighted a strong commitment to cultivating deeper connections between Pakistan and Africa, particularly Tunisia. The consensus among participants emphasized the need for strategic economic engagements, increased cooperation in various sectors, and the importance of historical ties that underpin bilateral relations. Both nations look forward to enhancing their partnership through trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual support in international affairs, envisioning a promising future together.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
