Pakistan keen to expand ties with African countries: Gillani

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani on Thursday said Pakistan was keen to further expand its brotherly, longstanding, deep and multifaceted relations with African countries, and promote trade and investment with them.

“This forum not only helps strengthen the historical and fraternal ties between Pakistan and African nations but also provides an effective platform for mutual cooperation and meaningful dialogue,” he said while addressing a meeting with ambassadors of African countries, representatives of the United Nations and conveners of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups established in Pakistan, on the occasion of the Pak-Africa Friendship Day here at the Parliament House. He said the historical relations and sustainable friendship between Pakistan and African countries were based on deep trust which continued to strengthen mutual cooperation, harmony and brotherhood. He termed this splendid heritage as a reflection of shared values like justice, sovereignty and mutual respect.

On the economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and African nations, he said that over the past decade, mutual trade, investment, and cooperation significantly increased, reflecting a positive and encouraging trend. There is immense potential for mutual cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, defence, pharmaceuticals, IT, and renewable energy, which needs to be further expanded. He emphasized that Pakistan was committed to facilitating trade and investment.

He made a special reference to the effective role of parliamentary cooperation and friendship groups, stating that these parliamentary friendship groups were playing a key role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Africa. He also referred to his recent appointment as the founding chairman of the “Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference” and expressed his desire to further enhance ties with the African parliamentary leadership.

Discussing the future vision, he said Pakistan sought a dynamic, effective, and equal partnership with Africa, based on mutual benefit, respect and shared aspirations.

The participants from African countries agreed with the views of Gillani and reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral diplomatic and economic relations with Pakistan.

The Senate chairman also briefed the delegation about Pakistan’s parliamentary history, democratic process, and the constitutional role and significance of the Upper House. He praised the effective response of the Pakistan armed forces in addressing security challenges during the recent Pakistan-India tensions. He said Pakistan desired peace in the region. India, under the guise of false propaganda, imposed war on Pakistan, but Pakistan’s armed forces and the entire nation firmly resisted the Indian aggression.

“Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in the region and around the world. The only solution to conflicts is through dialogue, as wars bring destruction, while negotiations can lead to resolutions,” he noted.

The conveners of various friendship groups formed in the Senate of Pakistan related to African countries, including Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, Senator Ali Zafar, Senator Asad Qasim, Senator Jan Buleidi, Senator Abdul Qadir, Senator Bilal Ahmed, and Senator Sardar Gurdeep Singh, Special Secretary Senate Hafeezullah Sheikh, Advisor to Chairman Senate Misbah Khar were present.