ISLAMABAD – President Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized on enhancedcollaboration between Pakistan and the African region in common priorityareas of peace, education, health, trade, tourism and climate change.
He was addressing two-day Envoys’ Conference titled “Engage Africa,”organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The President said Pakistan and Africa have several similarities, and thetwo sides need to work in close cooperation for achieving peace andprosperity for their peoples.
He said the two sides should enhance cooperation in defence and trade.
He said Pakistan’s economy is improving, and the country is opening up. Hesaid Pakistan is emerging as a land of opportunities and foreign investmentis increasing. He said Pakistan is an emerging economy where middle classis thriving.
Appreciating the initiative of conference, the President said suchinteractions provide valuable opportunity to engage and communicate. Hesaid we want to continue improving our relations with Africa.
Addressing the conference, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saidPakistan is desirous of communication with African countries on the basisof mutual principles of equal progress and prosperity.
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He said we have initiated economic diplomacy under which we are committedto enhance export and strengthen economy by undertaking efforts in variouseconomic sectors.
Foreign Minister said Pakistan enjoys tremendous political and diplomaticties with the African countries.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces rendered services in many African countriesfor maintaining peace under the UN Peacekeeping missions.
He expressed hope that this conference will further strengthen mutualrelations and economic cooperation of Pakistan with the African countries.
Later, the President also planted a sapling at the Ministry of ForeignAffairs. He prayed for the armless people of occupied Kashmir anddevelopment and security of Pakistan.
