ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday has said that Pakistan and other countries in the region are facing challenges including security threats.
Addressing a two-day Envoys’ Conference titled “Engage Africa”, the minister said Pakistan is willing to promote defence and trade relations with African countries, adding, “We jointly want to enhance security situation in the region.”
Pakistan Army soldiers rendered services in many African countries for maintaining peace under the UN Peacekeeping missions, he stated.
FM Qureshi said we have initiated economic diplomacy under which we are committed to enhance export and strengthen economy by undertaking efforts in various economic sectors. The foreign minister said that over 700 diplomats are getting training in Islamabad.
He further expressed hope that this conference will further strengthen mutual relations and economic cooperation of Pakistan with the African countries.
Meanwhile, President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized on enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and the African region in common priority areas of peace, education, health, trade, tourism and climate change.
Pakistan and Africa have several similarities, and the two sides need to work in close cooperation for achieving peace and prosperity for their peoples, he said.
Appreciating the initiative of conference, the president said such interactions provide valuable opportunity to engage and communicate with the people of other countries.
