Mushahid Hussain Sayed emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to Africa, stating the future lies with the Global South during Tunisia’s Independence Day celebration organized by ISSI and PAIDAR. He highlighted historical ties and the need for enhanced economic engagement through initiatives like “Engage Africa.” Dignitaries discussed the potential for increased cooperation in various sectors, reaffirming strong bilateral relations.
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to developing relations with Africa, asserting that the future is oriented towards the Global South. This statement was made during an event commemorating Tunisia’s Independence Day, organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in cooperation with PAIDAR, where Amina Khan acted as moderator, highlighting the significance of historical ties between Pakistan and Tunisia.
During his address, Mr. Mushahid underscored the crucial role Pakistan has played in supporting North African liberation movements, including those in Algeria and Morocco, advocating for enhanced economic and strategic cooperation with Africa. He pointed to the “Engage Africa” initiative as a promising framework for advancing trade, education, and cultural exchanges, thereby strengthening links between the two regions.
Dorsaf Maaroufi, Tunisia’s Charge d’Affaires, described Independence Day as a significant achievement in Tunisia’s journey towards sovereignty and democracy. She expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support during Tunisia’s fight for independence and highlighted potential economic collaborations, particularly through recent business endeavors and the upcoming FITA 2025 forum that aim to bolster trade and investment.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the foundational ties between Pakistan and Tunisia that stem from shared culture and history. Highlighting the importance of the “Engage Africa” policy, he addressed plans to enhance cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, and energy while noting the modest current trade volume of $13.58 million and opportunities for growth in IT, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Amina Khan reiterated the historic support of Pakistan for Tunisia’s decolonization, emphasizing the importance of expanding investments under the “Engage Africa” strategy to strengthen ties with both Tunisia and the broader African continent. Javed Ahmed Umrani, Ambassador of Pakistan to Tunisia, reflected on the long-standing bilateral relationship and discussed future cooperation in various sectors including telecommunications, health, and education.
Suhail Mahmood, DG of ISSI, acknowledged Tunisia’s pivotal role in regional matters and its principled stance in international discourse, particularly regarding important issues such as Kashmir. Furthermore, Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of ISSI, contributed to the discussions held at the event.
In conclusion, the recent remarks made by Mushahid Hussain Sayed and various dignitaries highlight the mutual commitment between Pakistan and Tunisia to enhance their bilateral relations. Central to these discussions were the shared historical ties, the significance of economic cooperation under the “Engage Africa” framework, and the emphasis on cultural exchanges. With a focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities, both nations are poised to strengthen their collaboration for mutual growth and development.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
