https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (Diplomatic Star): Ambassadors, diplomats, and experts on international relations and African affairs have called for immediate and practical measures to strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Africa, stressing that the continent has become a major centre of global economic, strategic, and diplomatic opportunities.
They emphasized that Africa is no longer a region of future possibilities only but has emerged as the continent of today, offering vast opportunities in trade, investment, security, technology, education, and development cooperation.
The speakers said Pakistan needs to move beyond discussions and adopt a comprehensive strategy for building strong partnerships with African countries at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Addressing a discussion on Pakistan-Africa relations, experts highlighted that the coming years are crucial for Pakistan to establish a stronger presence in Africa, as global competition for influence on the continent is rapidly increasing.
They noted that major global and regional players, including China, India, the European Union, Japan, and Türkiye, have already developed extensive partnerships with African nations.
The speakers cautioned that after the next decade, competition for economic and strategic partnerships in Africa is expected to become significantly more challenging, making it important for Pakistan to take timely initiatives and enhance engagement with African countries.
The event was attended by prominent diplomats, policymakers, and experts, including Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic outreach toward Africa.
Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Federal Minister for Trade, Energy, Power, Defence and Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, was the chief guest at the event.
He stressed that Pakistan and African countries share several areas of mutual interest and need to explore new avenues of cooperation.
Speaking about potential areas of collaboration, Khurram Dastagir Khan identified defence and security as important sectors where Pakistan and African countries could enhance cooperation.
He said that this area has not received sufficient attention despite having significant potential.
He pointed out that Pakistan can cooperate with African nations in defence training, capacity building, and defence industry development.
He said that Pakistan’s experience and expertise in security-related matters could contribute positively to strengthening partnerships with African countries.
The former minister emphasized that cooperation should not remain limited to traditional areas but should expand into modern fields including trade, technology, energy, agriculture, education, and security.
Keynote speaker Ambassador Brahim Romani, Acting Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan, highlighted the importance of stronger Pakistan-Africa relations.
He stressed the need for enhanced interaction, institutional cooperation, and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and African nations.
He said Africa offers enormous opportunities for countries willing to engage through long-term partnerships and practical cooperation.
He emphasized that diplomatic relations should be supported by economic collaboration and increased exchanges between institutions, businesses, and communities.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with African countries and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.
He said Pakistan has historically maintained friendly relations with African nations and is committed to further strengthening these ties through mutual cooperation and shared interests.
The participants noted that Africa’s growing markets, young population, natural resources, and emerging economies provide significant opportunities for Pakistan.
They stressed that stronger economic diplomacy, improved connectivity, and increased private sector involvement are essential to developing meaningful partnerships.
During the discussion, Ambassador of Sudan to Pakistan Salih Mohamed Ahmed shared the latest developments regarding the situation in Sudan and briefed participants about his country’s efforts to restore stability and peace.
He said Sudan’s military was working to restore security and stability in the country. The ambassador alleged that rebel groups had received support from the United Arab Emirates and some African countries, although he did not name those countries.
The Sudanese ambassador called upon the international community to take stronger measures and declare the rebel groups as terrorists.
He said Sudan was seeking greater support and cooperation from the international community to address the challenges facing the country.
He stressed that peace and stability in Sudan were important not only for the country itself but also for regional security and development.
The speakers at the event agreed that Pakistan’s engagement with Africa should be based on a long-term vision, practical cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
They emphasized that stronger diplomatic presence, business links, and institutional cooperation would help Pakistan play a more active role in Africa’s emerging economic and strategic landscape.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that Africa represents a significant opportunity for Pakistan, but timely and effective steps are required to build sustainable partnerships before competition for influence on the continent becomes more intense.
