Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
ISLAMABAD – The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) yesterday organized a special event to celebrate “Africa Day 2025.”
The speakers included Director General ISSI Sohail Mahmood; Chairman BoG, ISSI, Amb. Khalid Mahmood; Guest of Honour, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Hamid Asghar Khan; keynote speaker, Dean of African Corps/Ambassador of Morocco, Mohammad Karmoune, and Director CAMEA, Amina Khan.
In a video recorded message, Ambassador Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, shared her perspective on Pakistan-Africa relations.
The Heads of African Missions in Pakistan and Heads of Pakistan Missions in Africa also shared their views on the occasion. Stalls exhibiting African products and art work depicting African culture were also set up by African Missions in Islamabad.
In his remarks on the occasion, Sohail Mahmood stated that ‘Africa Day’ is a moment to reflect on the continent’s rich history, cultural diversity, and enduring struggles and aspirations of its people for freedom, dignity, and development.
He noted that the observance commemorates the founding of the African Union (AU) and symbolizes shared values of resilience, justice, and solidarity. He recalled Pakistan’s strong political, diplomatic and material support to African nations in their liberation struggles and quest for the right to self-determination.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to peace and security in Africa through participation in UN peacekeeping missions since the 1960s. Reflecting on evolving perceptions of Africa, he emphasized its transformation into the “continent of the future,” marked by immense economic potential and strategic significance.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described Pakistan’s 2019 “Engage Africa” policy as a pivotal initiative aimed at expanding Pakistan’s diplomatic footprint in Africa and deepening economic engagement with the continent.
He mentioned the opening of five new Pakistani missions, major trade and investment events in African capitals, and growing cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, education, IT, health, and defence.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s historic support for African nations’ liberation and its commitment to deepening ties based on mutual trust. She highlighted multilateral cooperation, peacekeeping efforts, and growing trade and defence engagement, calling the Senate’s designation of May 25th as “Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day” as a key milestone.
Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune highlighted the African Union’s achievements in unity, development, and its growing global role, including joining the G20. He outlined three priorities for Africa’s progress: investment, AfCFTA, and a stronger voice in global governance. In his remarks, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan described Africa as a welcoming, resource-rich continent with vast potential. While acknowledging its progress, he noted ongoing challenges such as hunger and conflict, and stressed the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and deeper South-South ties.
Earlier, Director CAMEA Ms. Amina Khan stated that Africa Day is an occasion to celebrate Africa’s legacy and reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to deeper ties. She welcomed the Senate’s declaration of May 25 as Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day, highlighted CAMEA’s initiatives, and underscored the significance of the ‘Engage Africa’ policy in strengthening bilateral relations.
An interactive discussion followed, where representatives from the African Missions based in Pakistan shared their views. Representatives from the Pakistani Missions based in Africa also joined virtually and underscored the importance of closer ties with Africa and offered their suggestions. A Special Report on the historical roots and future promise of Pakistan-Africa partnership was launched.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, in his vote of thanks, highlighted Africa’s growing global significance and recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support to the continent’s liberation movements.
He reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Africa, built on shared history, solidarity, and mutual respect.
At the end, the guests visited the stalls established by African Missions in Islamabad, displaying African food and other products, which were introduced by the concerned Heads of Missions.
The event was attended by a large number of diplomats, academics, practitioners, students, members of the media, and African diaspora.
[ad_1]
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
[ad_2]
Comments are closed.