African Ambassadors Strengthening trade and investment Ties with Pakistan

Ambassadors from Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Somalia called for a comprehensive approach to deepen trade and investment relations with Pakistan. Speaking at a high-profile seminar jointly organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Roots Millennium International University College (MIUC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the envoys emphasized the need for diversified engagement across various sectors.

The African ambassadors stressed that leveraging opportunities in **trade, investment, defense, science and technology, tourism, culture**, and **educational exchanges** could help Pakistan and African nations unlock their shared potential.

**Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed**, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers in African peacekeeping missions and the country’s historic support for African freedom movements. He noted that these shared histories remain largely unknown to the public and advocated for measures like **travel facilitation** and **leadership-level engagement** to enhance connectivity.

Ambassador **Jauhar Saleem**, President of the IRS, pointed out that Pakistan’s trade with African states has surpassed $5.6 billion, demonstrating immense potential for growth. He urged for expanded cooperation, particularly in commercial and defense sectors, as well as **people-to-people contacts**. He emphasized that youth awareness of opportunities on both sides was critical for fostering long-term partnerships.

Ambassador Saleem expressed optimism that Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic efforts in Africa could revive historical ties and pave the way for stronger economic, cultural, and intellectual collaboration.

The African diplomats highlighted challenges impeding robust linkages, including **language barriers** and limited knowledge exchange. They praised Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with African nations and advocated for comprehensive support to unlock untapped potential.

Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), **Ambassador Sohail Mehmood**, underscored Pakistan’s longstanding historical ties with African countries, particularly its support for liberation movements. **Hamid Asghar Khan**, Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of improved **information and communication connectivity** to strengthen ties.

**Walid Mushtaq**, CEO of Roots MIUC, highlighted the critical role of fostering an enabling environment to capitalize on emerging opportunities. He stressed the importance of youth involvement and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

The seminar brought together **hundreds of researchers, intellectuals, and students**, fostering a vibrant dialogue on enhancing ties between Pakistan and Africa. The speakers collectively envisioned a future marked by **unprecedented connectivity** and a stronger partnership between the two regions, driven by diversified collaboration and mutual support.