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| Tunisian ambassador hosts reception |
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Sunday, November 08, 2009
Ishrat Hyatt
Islamabad
On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the ‘Change of November 7, 1987’ the ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia and Mrs Mourad Bourehla hosted a reception at their residence which was attended by a select group of ambassadors and Pakistanis from different walks of life.
Among others those who attended the event include former federal minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao; Secretary General PML-Q Mushahid Hussain; Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi and others. The guest of honour was Minister for Sports Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani and the cake was cut after the national anthems of both countries had been played.
Welcoming his guests Ambassador Bourehla thanked them for accepting his invitation to share the commemoration of this special occasion that was an act of salvation and had ushered in a new era of development and modernisation. “President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has saved the country from the pitfalls of economic bankruptcy and institutional collapse and set the stage for the success story of Tunisia,” he said, adding the president had won the recent elections with an overwhelming majority which illustrated that the people of Tunisia had great regard for him. During his twenty-two years the transition to a true democracy had been made in a progressive, secure and harmonious manner and economic reforms have encouraged individual enterprise; opened the economy to the outside world, boosted market mechanisms; diversified production sectors and encouraged greater efficiency and an improved capacity to resist external shocks.
Tunisia was the first country of the Southern Mediterranean to sign a free trade agreement with the EU and several Arab and Maghreb countries. On the diplomatic front Tunisia has a strong commitment to the principles of international law, peace, understanding and co-operation among people and it has been ranked among the top countries in terms of quality of life and social and political stability.
The ambassador concluded with the words that Tunisia and Pakistan enjoy a traditional and deep rooted relationship, sharing a common vision, cooperating and coordinating with each other in international forums. “Tunisia will stand by Pakistan as it faces the many challenges during this difficult period and Insha’Allah, the clouds will go away and the sunlight will shine once again,” he said. “Pakistan, Tunisia, Zindabad.”
The chief guest congratulated his hosts on the occasion and said it was an honour to be part of the commemoration. “We have enjoyed friendly and brotherly relations with Tunisia and share a common heritage,” he said. “On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan I want to convey my congratulations to the president and pray for the prosperity and happiness for the people of Tunisia.”
Dinner was served and guests had time to relax and enjoy the hospitality of their hosts as it was nice and cosy under the canopy on the lawn. Guests kept arriving and departing as there were other functions taking place so the hosts were kept busy showering their hospitality the whole evening.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
