ISLAMABAD- Pakistan has reiterated its firm commitment to forging strongerpartnership with Africa in all spheres of cooperation.

In a statement issued on Africa Day 2021 today, Foreign Office SpokespersonZahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan reaffirms its full support to theaspirations of African nations for peace, progress and prosperity.

He said Pakistan extends its heartiest felicitations on “Africa Day 2021,”commemorating the 58th Anniversary of the establishment of the AfricanUnion.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan has been making sustained and meaningfulcontributions towards peace and security efforts in Africa.

He said since 1960s, Pakistani blue helmets, under the UN auspices, havebeen engaged in peace-keeping and peace-building initiatives across theContinent.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhrisaid Pakistan has set its course to re-energize and reinforce itspartnership with Africa.

Spearheaded by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the “Engage Africa”Initiative aims at strengthening political and diplomatic linkages, furtherdeepening and broadening mutually beneficial trade and economic ties, andexpanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges.