President calls for enhanced collaboration with African region

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has emphasised on enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and the African region in common priority areas of peace, education, health, trade, tourism and climate change.

Addressing the Envoys’ Conference titled “Engage Africa,” organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the president said Pakistan and Africa have several similarities.

He said the two sides need to work in close cooperation for achieving peace and prosperity for their peoples, and enhance cooperation in defence and trade.

The president said Pakistan’s economy is improving, and the country is opening up. He said Pakistan is an emerging economy and foreign investment is increasing.

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Appreciating the initiative of conference, the President said such interactions provide valuable opportunity to engage and communicate. He said we want to continue improving our relations with Africa.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while addressing the conference, said Pakistan is desirous of communication with African countries on the basis of mutual principles of equal progress and prosperity.

He said we have initiated economic diplomacy under which we are committed to enhance export and strengthen economy by undertaking efforts in various economic sectors.

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The foreign minister said Pakistan enjoys tremendous political and diplomatic ties with the African countries.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces rendered services in many African countries for maintaining peace under the UN Peacekeeping missions.

He expressed hope that this conference will further strengthen mutual relations and economic cooperation of Pakistan with the African countries.

Later, the president also planted a sapling at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He prayed for the people of occupied Kashmir and development and security of Pakistan.