On the distinguished occasion of Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on behalf of the Senate and the people of Pakistan, warmly welcomed esteemed guests from African countries. Among them were Mr. Mohamed Karmoune, Dean of African Missions and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco; Mr. Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator; ambassadors and high commissioners from African nations; Members of Parliament; conveners of friendship groups; and other diplomatic representatives. The event was held during a luncheon hosted at Parliament House.
In his address, Chairman Gilani expressed his deep honor at the presence of African dignitaries, describing it as a testament to the shared commitment to further strengthening the historic and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and African nations. He recalled Pakistan’s proud legacy of supporting African countries during their struggles for independence, noting that both Pakistan and African nations bore the scars of colonialism, which left a profound imprint on their collective consciousness.
Highlighting the brotherly relations between Pakistan and African countries, the Chairman noted that African leaders, traveling the world on Pakistani passports during difficult times, spoke out for their nations—demonstrating the practical and moral solidarity Pakistan extended at international platforms such as the United Nations. Over time, these relations have matured from political alignment to cooperation in key areas such as peacebuilding, trade, development, and people-to-people connectivity. The observance of Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day, he said, embodies this enduring partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Chairman Gilani emphasized that Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” marks a strategic shift, positioning Africa not only as a partner of the past but also as a vital player in future collaborations. He shared that under this policy, Pakistan expanded its diplomatic missions, signed new bilateral agreements, and significantly enhanced trade—surpassing USD 5.45 billion in 2023–2024. Key exports included rice, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, with valuable imports from African partners. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to economic diplomacy.
He further highlighted his strong belief in South-South Cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive development among developing nations. Referring to his participation in the Third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Morocco, he described this cooperation not as an ideological vision but a practical approach to regional collaboration, reducing trade barriers, and exchanging successful development models. He also mentioned his recent unanimous election as the founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), a platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, mutual development, and equitable partnerships within the Global South. He invited African parliamentary leaders to actively participate in the ISC and other such initiatives for the collective promotion of peace and sustainable development.
Chairman Gilani acknowledged the common challenges shared by Pakistan and African countries—including poverty, food insecurity, health crises, education gaps, and climate change—but underscored that these challenges also offer immense opportunities. Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing markets align well with Pakistan’s strengths in agriculture, textiles, IT services, and pharmaceuticals. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation in sectors such as defense, renewable energy, education, infrastructure, and agriculture. Notable examples of growing collaboration include Nigeria’s procurement of JF-17 fighter jets, Zimbabwe’s order of Super Mushshak aircraft, and the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Karachi.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy through friendship groups and delegation exchanges aimed at developing joint solutions to shared challenges. As a gesture of goodwill, he referenced the resolution passed by the Senate to officially commemorate Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day, reflecting Pakistan’s determination to elevate its parliamentary and diplomatic engagement with African nations.
In conclusion, Chairman Gilani appreciated the efforts of African ambassadors and high commissioners posted in Islamabad for their vital role in reinforcing bilateral relations. “As we celebrate Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day,” he said, “let us renew our joint commitment to this strategic and enduring partnership.”
Ms. Misbah Khar, Adviser to the Chairman Senate, also addressed the gathering. She emphasized the Upper House’s focus on enhancing parliamentary coordination and prioritizing inter-parliamentary collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, defense, food security, and environmental challenges—areas where significant progress has already been achieved. She stressed that institutional cooperation is key to overcoming common challenges.
The luncheon was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Syed Ali Zafar, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, other members of the Senate and National Assembly, and ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from African countries. Secretary Senate of Pakistan and senior officers including Advisor Finance, Aizaz Khan were also present.
