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By Muchaneta Chimuka
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Harare organized Pakistan-Africa and Zimbabwe Friendship Day to commemorate, honor and cherish the strong historical bonds between Pakistan and great continent of Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular.
The event celebrated the rich African political heritage, cultural diversity and the continents immense economics and development potential.
While highlighting the illustrious history of friendly relations of Pakistan with Zimbabwe and other African member states the Charges d’ Affaires, Mr. Fariz Hasan introduced the Engage Africa policy of the Government of Pakistan, a roadmap on further strengthening the current political and commercial ties and its diversification with Africa.
He emphasized the need of exploring the full spectrum of complimentary economic sectors with more focus on business to business and people to people exchanges.
“The commerce and trade potential remained significantly untapped and posed an acute challenge especially in the post COVID era,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for their continued support and prompt response in addressing the situation.
Ambassador Alice Mageza, Chief Director (Political Affaires), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe graced the ceremony as Chief Guest.
She stressed on the need of frequent engagement at higher levels and reactivation of the Joint Ministerial Commission.
She also acknowledged Pakistan for consistently extending institutional capacity building support over the last five decades in training of diplomats, defence forces, bankers, railways and postal services officers.
While adding to the discussion she expressed the need of enhancing sports and cultural ties between the two countries.
While conveying the keenness of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe to further strengthening and diversify existing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries she acknowledged the need of opening an Embassy of Zimbabwe in Pakistan to promote business and tourism into Zimbabwe.
The closing of the ceremony was marked by pledge of assistance in shape of food hampers to the less privileged Zimbabwean brothers and sisters as a token of appreciation by Pakistani origin Zimbabweans.