Report: ANI
ISLAMABAD — Nigeria and Pakistan have called for strengthening their longstanding friendship through enhanced strategic cooperation in defence, security, trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy and information technology.
Charge d’Affaires of Nigeria to Pakistan, Mohammed Yasau, stressed the need to translate mutual trust and shared aspirations into practical cooperation while addressing Nigeria’s National Day celebration at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Director General ISSI Ambassador Moin ul Haque highlighted the historic friendship between the two countries, established in 1961, and called for increased bilateral trade and progress on a bilateral trade treaty.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed recalled the historical ties between the two nations, including the legacy of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He highlighted opportunities for Pakistan to expand engagement with Africa through trade, investment, education and research.
Muhammad Imran, Head of Chancery at Pakistan’s Mission in Nigeria, underscored the potential for stronger cooperation in trade, investment and education.
Dr Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to deepening Pakistan’s intellectual engagement with Africa through dialogue and shared learning.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, described Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
The event was jointly organised by CAMEA at ISSI and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), bringing together diplomats, policymakers and researchers.
