Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to Africa, asserting the future belongs to the Global South during a Tunisia Independence Day celebration. He highlighted the importance of strengthening economic and strategic ties, particularly through Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative, while dignitaries from both nations acknowledged historical support and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the President of the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to Africa, asserting that the Global South holds the future. In his address as the chief guest at an event commemorating Tunisia’s Independence Day, he reiterated the historical importance of Pakistan-Tunisia relations and their alignment within Pakistan’s broader foreign policy focused on the Global South. He noted Pakistan’s historical support for North African liberation movements and its continuous diplomatic efforts despite resource limitations.
Mr. Mushahid called for enhanced economic and strategic partnerships with Africa, pointing to initiatives such as the “Engage Africa” policy. He praised Tunisia’s strong leadership and resilience, advocating for deeper trade, cultural exchanges, and robust people-to-people connections. Dorsaf Maaroufi, Tunisia’s Charge d’Affaires in Pakistan, described Tunisia’s Independence Day as a pivotal achievement in its quest for sovereignty, emphasizing Pakistan’s critical support during Tunisia’s fight for independence and the necessity for increased economic cooperation.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced Pakistan’s historical connections to Tunisia, recalling the mutual cultural foundations and the supportive gestures made during Tunisia’s independence. He promoted the “Engage Africa” policy, discussing opportunities in trade, agriculture, and energy, and called for fostering economic ties that exceed the current $13.58 million trade volume, particularly in sectors such as IT and tourism.
Amina Khan reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Africa within the framework of the “Engage Africa” policy, stressing the need to broaden trade and investment initiatives. Ambassador to Tunisia, Javed Ahmed Umrani, highlighted the longstanding relations since Tunisia’s independence, noting the bilateral trade figures and future collaborations in key sectors.
Suhail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI, acknowledged Tunisia’s influential role in global affairs and its recent contributions to the Jammu and Kashmir discourse at the Security Council. Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at ISSI, was also present at the proceedings, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.
In summary, the proceedings surrounding Tunisia’s Independence Day underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Africa and particularly with Tunisia. With initiatives like “Engage Africa,” there is a clear focus on enhancing economic ties, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships. The historical and current support between Pakistan and Tunisia signifies a foundational relationship poised for growth, especially as both countries explore new avenues of cooperation in various sectors.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
