ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan has extended its heartiest felicitations on“Africa Day 2021,” commemorating the 58th Anniversary of the establishmentof the African Union.
Celebrated across the world, this Day marks the heroic struggle of theAfrican nations for emancipation from colonialism as well as the richAfrican heritage, cultural diversity, and the Continent’s immense economicand development potential.
Founded in 1963, the African Union has come a long way in realizing thehopes and aspirations of the most promising region of the world. Premisedon common values and shared prosperity, and guided by its own citizens, theUnion has now embarked on a journey towards forging a united, prosperous,and peaceful African continent.
Pakistan has a long and illustrious history of friendly relations withAfrica. Our bonds with African nations predate the establishment of theAfrican Union.
Historically, Pakistan has played its role in lending support to Africanstruggles for freedom from colonial rule; combating apartheid; extendinghumanitarian assistance, where needed; and supporting capacity buildingthrough training programmes and initiatives.
Pakistan has also been making sustained and meaningful contributionstowards peace and security efforts in Africa. Since 1960s, Pakistani bluehelmets, under the UN auspices, have been engaged in peace-keeping andpeace-building initiatives across the Continent.
Many of Pakistani peacekeepers rendered the ultimate sacrifice of theirlives in protecting African lives and promoting African causes,demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the people of Africa.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan has set itscourse to re-energize and reinforce its partnership with Africa.
Spearheaded by the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the “EngageAfrica” Initiative aims at strengthening political and diplomatic linkages,further deepening and broadening mutually beneficial trade and economicties, and expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The initiative is being realized through expansion of diplomatic outreachand greater presence in Africa; building stronger cooperation at themultilateral forums and with African institutions; initiating structuredinstitutional engagements including at the leadership level; initiating newbilateral trade and investment initiatives; featuring improved air andmaritime connectivity; enhancing linkages among parliaments, think tanks,academia and specialized institutions; and promoting collaboration in thefields of science and technology.
“Pakistan reiterates it firm commitment to forging stronger partnershipwith Africa in all spheres of cooperation and reaffirms its full support tothe aspirations of African nations for peace, progress and prosperity,” theForeign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said.