Mushahid Hussain Sayed of PAIDAR reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to Africa at a Tunisia Independence Day event. He stressed historical ties and called for deeper economic engagement through initiatives like the “Engage Africa” policy. Officials from both countries emphasized stronger trade, cultural exchanges, and the potential for cooperation in various sectors.
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), has emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to Africa, stating that the future belongs to the Global South. During an event commemorating Tunisia’s Independence Day, Sayed highlighted the historical ties between Pakistan and Tunisia and underscored Pakistan’s active role in supporting North African liberation movements despite limited resources.
Sayed advocated for deeper economic and strategic interactions with Africa, suggesting initiatives like the “Engage Africa” policy, which aims to enhance trade, education, and cultural exchanges. He praised Tunisia’s resilience and called for strengthened connections between the countries’ peoples and businesses.
Dorsaf Maaroufi, Tunisian Charge d’Affaires, affirmed Tunisia’s Independence Day as a pivotal moment for the country and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring support during Tunisia’s quest for independence. She pointed out that there is significant potential for increased economic cooperation and outlined recent business engagements that could bolster trade and investment opportunities.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced Pakistan’s bonds with Tunisia, recalling historical support for its independence. He discussed the “Engage Africa” policy and its potential to foster progress across various sectors, aiming to surpass the current $13.58 million trade volume with opportunities in IT, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Amina Khan, Director of ISSI, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Africa and emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment under the “Engage Africa” initiative. Javed Ahmed Umrani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tunisia, reflected on the longstanding ties since 1958 and anticipated enhancements in bilateral relations in crucial sectors such as telecommunications and agriculture.
Suhail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, acknowledged Tunisia’s contributions to regional and global matters, notably its stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at ISSI, also contributed to the discussions during the event.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the deep and evolving relationship between Pakistan and Tunisia, characterized by historical support and a vision for mutual growth. The “Engage Africa” policy presents significant opportunities for enhancing trade, education, and cultural exchanges, reflecting a commitment to a more interconnected future between nations of the Global South.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
