Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, concurrently accredited to Republic of Djibouti, presented his credentials to H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, says a press release received here today from Addis Ababa.
During the bilateral meeting, the President welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his strong desire to build closer partnership with Pakistan including security, trade and energy sectors.
The Ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” and informed that the Government of Pakistan has decided to open five new Embassies in Africa, the first being in Djibouti, which is reflective of Pakistan’s intention to build bridges of cooperation with Djibouti.
The Ambassador emphasized the need to further expand economic, commercial and naval ties between Pakistan and Djibouti. Both expressed agreement to bolstering high level political interactions, Parliamentary exchanges, and promoting Blue Economy in Arabian Sea region.
The Ambassador underscored the desire of the Government of Pakistan to play an important role in IGAD region to promote partnership in all realms of life including agriculture, science & technology, maritime safety and climate change sectors and specifically to mitigate poverty in the region. The Ambassador briefed the President about CPEC and highlighted that CPEC is instrumental in solidifying our relations with China.
The Ambassador also wished to expand Pakistani frontiers of trade with African States.
On Jammu & Kashmir issue, the Ambassador also highlighted the growing atrocities by the Indian government and military in violation of international law and their nefarious efforts to change the geography and demography of JIOJK.
The President welcomed the laying of undersea Pakistan-East Africa Cable Express (PEACE), linking, at the first stage, Gwadar to Djibouti.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh also appreciated Ambassador’s diplomatic goals and assured his full support for the advancement of friendly relations between the two brotherly countries.
Later, in the afternoon, the Ambassador called on H.E. Mr. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti. The Prime Minister of Djibouti welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his earnest desire to further cement bilateral relations with Pakistan.
The Ambassador appreciated the development of Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), which would serve as hub of trade and commerce between Pakistan and Horn of Africa countries. The Prime Minister encouraged Pakistani investors and entrepreneurs to jointly play a leading role and contribute developing Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ).
