Islamabad (GNP): Advisor to Chairman Senate and Ambassador for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), Misbah Khar, met with the High Commissioner of Rwanda in Islamabad and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in parliamentary, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
The High Commissioner highlighted growing business opportunities in Rwanda and invited the Pakistani business community to participate in a business exhibition being held in Rwanda in September. Khar welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of encouraging Pakistani entrepreneurs and exporters to explore Rwanda and the wider African market.
The meeting also discussed enhanced connectivity between Pakistan and Rwanda. The Rwandan side expressed interest in establishing direct air connectivity between the two countries, noting that direct flights would facilitate business, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
Khar welcomed the proposal and said improved connectivity could play an important role in bringing the two business communities closer.
Both sides expressed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy, business exchanges and greater private-sector engagement, with a shared resolve to explore new avenues for mutually beneficial Pakistan-Rwanda relations.
Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at $126 million, with Rwanda exporting $26 million worth of goods, while Pakistan’s exports to Rwanda accounting for approximately $100 million.
Both sides affirmed a shared commitmentto expand these figures substantially through the promotion of diversified trade and investment activities.6 Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe also called on Prime MinisterMuhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong interest in deepening economic and investment ties with Rwanda. He extended a formal invitation to Rwandan President Paul Kagame to visit Pakistan, signalling a desire to elevate bilateral relations to the highest political level.
Prime Minister Sharif underscored the pivotal role of Rwanda’s newly inaugurated High Commission in Islamabad in facilitating closerdiplomatic engagement and enhancing trade relations.7 In the realm of defence and security cooperation, Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe met with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Both sides recognised the significant contributions of Pakistan and Rwanda to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs), reflecting shared commitments to international peace and security.
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8 Furthermore, discussions with the Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan explored potential collaboration avenues in trade, investment, tourism, and industrial development sectors, including agriculture, services, automobile manufacturing
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.
