Senate marks May 25th as “Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day,” a significant milestone, Amna Baloch
Islamabad : The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized a special event to celebrate “Africa Day 2025.” The speakers included: Director General ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood; Chairman BoG, ISSI, Amb. Khalid Mahmood; Guest of Honour, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Amb. Hamid Asghar Khan; Keynote Speaker, Dean of African Corps/Amb. of Morocco, H.E. Mohammad Karmoune, and Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan. In a video recorded message Amb. Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, shared her perspective on Pakistan-Africa relations.
The Heads of African Missions in Pakistan and Heads of Pakistan Missions in Africa also shared their views on the occasion. Stalls exhibiting African products and art work depicting African culture were also set up by African Missions in Islamabad.
Director General ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood stated that ‘Africa Day’ is a moment to reflect on the continent’s rich history, cultural diversity, and enduring struggles and aspirations of its people for freedom, dignity, and development. He emphasized its transformation into the “continent of the future,” marked by immense economic potential and strategic significance.
Amb Sohail Mahmood described Pakistan’s 2019 “Engage Africa” policy as a pivotal initiative aimed at expanding Pakistan’s diplomatic footprint in Africa and deepening economic engagement with the continent. He mentioned the opening of five new Pakistani missions, major trade and investment events in African capitals, and growing cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, education, IT, health, and defence. He stressed that Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics was a key driver of its policy approach towards Africa.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s historic support for African nations’ liberation and its commitment to deepening ties based on mutual trust. She highlighted multilateral cooperation, peacekeeping efforts, and growing trade and defence engagement, calling the Senate’s designation of May 25th as “Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day” as a key milestone.
Amb. Mohammed Karmoune highlighted the African Union’s achievements in unity, development, and its growing global role, including joining the G20. He outlined three priorities for Africa’s progress: investment, AfCFTA, and a stronger voice in global governance. He praised Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ and ‘Engage Africa’ policies, expanding diplomatic outreach, and the Pakistan-Africa Special Engagement Fund, calling for deeper collaboration through joint ventures, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan described Africa as a welcoming, resource-rich continent with vast potential. While acknowledging its progress, he noted ongoing challenges such as hunger and conflict, and stressed the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and deeper South-South ties. He highlighted Pakistan’s tourism and defence sectors as key areas for collaboration, and underscored the importance of regular political engagement, active resident missions, and enhanced cooperation at the UN. He concluded by commending ISSI’s role in promoting Pakistan-Africa relations.
Amb. Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, in his vote of thanks, highlighted Africa’s growing global significance and recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support to the continent’s liberation movements. He reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Africa, built on shared history, solidarity, and mutual respect.
At the end, the guests visited the stalls established by African Missions in Islamabad, displaying African food and other products, which were introduced by the concerned Heads of Missions.
The event was attended by a large number of diplomats, academics, practitioners, students, members of the media, and African diaspora.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
