A photography exhibition showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of Kenya and Pakistan celebrated the longstanding friendship between the two countries and highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, tourism and international cooperation. Organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Economic Council and participating photographers, the exhibition offered a visual journey through the natural beauty and cultural diversity of both nations.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi appreciated the efforts of the Government of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and Pakistani diplomatic missions in promoting the country’s art, culture and heritage internationally. He said the exhibition provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding between Pakistan and Kenya and acknowledged the contribution of the Kenyan High Commissioner and international partners, including UNESCO and the United Nations.
The Federal Minister expressed hope that a similar exhibition featuring Pakistani photography would be organised internationally to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent. He thanked the participating photographers for their contribution and emphasised the importance of continued cultural exchange in strengthening friendship between nations.
Addressing the gathering, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, described the exhibition as a celebration of friendship, mutual understanding and shared human experiences. He said photography transcended geographical and linguistic boundaries, bringing people closer through a shared appreciation of nature, heritage and cultural diversity.
The High Commissioner highlighted Kenya’s diverse tourism attractions, including wildlife safaris, coastal beaches, Swahili heritage, mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Drawing parallels between the two countries, he said Kenya’s expansive savannahs and magnificent wildlife and Pakistan’s majestic mountains and beautiful valleys offered exceptional opportunities for tourism promotion and cultural exchange. He invited Pakistani citizens, members of the diplomatic community and international visitors to discover Kenya’s natural beauty and hospitality.
Emphasising the longstanding cordial relations between Kenya and Pakistan, the High Commissioner said the exhibition offered an opportunity to deepen cooperation in tourism, youth engagement, culture and people-to-people exchanges, alongside existing collaboration in trade, investment, education and agriculture. He expressed appreciation to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, and the Pakistan Africa Economic Council for their support, and commended the participating photographers for bringing the visual stories of both countries to life.
Pakistan Africa Economic Council General Secretary Sheikh Rashid Alam welcomed the exhibition and called for stronger cultural and economic cooperation between Pakistan and African countries, inviting African nations to work jointly with Pakistan. Photographer Dr Usman-ul-Haq thanked the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the relevant institutions for their cooperation in organising the exhibition and expressed hope for continued collaboration. Member of the National Assembly Ikhtiar Baig also welcomed the initiative and emphasised the need for greater government support and facilitation to expand Pakistan’s engagement with African countries.
