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Event Title: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a Meeting with The Participants of "Pakistan-African Friendship Day” at Parliament House, Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-05-22
Pakistan is keen to further expand its brotherly, long-standing, deep, and multifaceted relations with African countries, and to promote trade and investment with them — Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stated that Pakistan is an important country in the region and strongly condemns terrorism across the world. He praised the effective response of the Pakistan Armed Forces in addressing security challenges during the recent Pakistan-India tensions. He said that Pakistan desires peace in the region. India, under the guise of false propaganda, imposed war on Pakistan, but Pakistan's armed forces and the entire nation firmly resisted Indian aggression. Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in the region and around the world. The only solution to conflicts is through dialogue, as wars bring destruction, while negotiations can lead to resolutions.
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani expressed these views during a meeting with ambassadors of African countries, representatives of the United Nations, and conveners of Parliamentary Friendship Groups established in Pakistan, on the occasion of “Pak-Africa Friendship Day” at the Parliament House.
The Chairman Senate said that Pakistan is keen to further expand its brotherly, long-standing, deep, and multifaceted relations with African countries, and to promote trade and investment with them. This forum not only helps strengthen the historical and fraternal ties between Pakistan and African nations but also provides an effective platform for mutual cooperation and meaningful dialogue.
He said that the historical relations and sustainable friendship between Pakistan and African countries are based on deep trust, which continues to strengthen mutual cooperation, harmony, and brotherhood. The Chairman Senate termed this splendid heritage as a reflection of shared values like justice, sovereignty, and mutual respect.
Speaking on the economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and African nations, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that over the past decade, mutual trade, investment, and cooperation have significantly increased, reflecting a positive and encouraging trend. He added that there is immense potential for mutual cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, defense, pharmaceuticals, IT, and renewable energy, which needs to be further expanded. He emphasized that Pakistan is highly committed to facilitating trade and promoting investment.
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani made special reference to the effective role of parliamentary cooperation and friendship groups, stating that these parliamentary friendship groups are playing a key role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Africa. He said that these groups not only support legislation and diplomatic initiatives but are also assisting in fostering cooperation between governments. He appealed to all members of the parliamentary friendship groups to play an active and effective role in further strengthening diplomatic, trade, and economic relations.
On this occasion, he also referred to his recent appointment as the founding Chairman of the “Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference” and expressed his desire to further enhance ties with African parliamentary leadership. Discussing the future vision, the Chairman Senate said that Pakistan seeks a dynamic, effective, and equal partnership with Africa, based on mutual benefit, respect, and shared aspirations.
The participants from African countries agreed with the views of Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral diplomatic and economic relations with Pakistan. Chairman Senate also briefed the delegation about Pakistan’s parliamentary history, democratic process, and the constitutional role and significance of the Upper House.
Also present on the occasion were the conveners of various friendship groups formed in the Senate of Pakistan related to African countries, including Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, Senator Ali Zafar, Senator Asad Qasim, Senator Jan Buleidi, Senator Abdul Qadir, Senator Bilal Ahmed, and Senator Sardar Gurdeep Singh. Special Secretary Senate Hafeezullah Sheikh, Advisor to Chairman Senate Ms. Misbah Khar were also present.
Ambassadors and Envoys of the African countries present during the call on were Abdullah A Fadi Head of UNICEF Representative, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco; H.E. Mr. Brahim Romani, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; H.E. Mr. Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan; H.E. Jemal Beker, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; H.E. Moamer Z.O. Abdalmotlab, Ambassador of the State of Libya; H.E. Mr. Titus Mehliswa Johnathan Abu-Basutu, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe; H.E. Ms. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda; H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Shiekh Nor Mohamed Hassan, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Mr. Yushwa Mohamed, Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Adam Koodoruth, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius; Ms. Dorsaf Maaroufi, Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Tunisia; and H.E. Mr. Mxolisi Phila Radebe, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa.