The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad’s Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), convened an event to mark Algeria’s National Day and explore ways to expand Pakistan Algeria ties.
The session opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and Algeria and was moderated by Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Key participants included Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Brahim Romani, Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan; Khalid Hussain Gudaro, Ambassador of Pakistan to Algeria; and Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, served as Chief Guest while Hamid Asghar, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said the commemoration honours the historic struggle and resilience of the Algerian people and underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He recalled Pakistan’s early diplomatic support for Algerian independence at the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement and called for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, defence and culture as part of a shared development agenda.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Algerian people and noted that Pakistan was among the first to recognise the Provisional Government of the Republic of Algeria in exile in 1958. He underlined that Pakistan Algeria ties are grounded in common values and sustained cooperation in international forums, and highlighted opportunities for collaboration through Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy.
In his remarks Ambassador Hamid Asghar pointed to Algeria’s socio-economic progress and natural resource base, stressing potential partnerships in energy, information technology, industry and the blue economy. He commended Algeria’s principled stance on Palestine and expressed confidence that both countries can broaden their strategic cooperation across government, academia and the private sector.
Ambassador Brahim Romani reiterated the depth of bilateral relations and encouraged enhanced economic linkages, citing Algeria’s strategic location, competitive energy costs and access to regional free trade zones. Ambassador Khalid Hussain Gudaro highlighted practical steps to deepen diplomacy, trade and people-to-people ties, including strengthening bilateral consultations and joint ministerial mechanisms.
Ms. Amina Khan noted the signing of an MoU between CAMEA and Algeria’s National Global Strategic Institute (INESG) as a milestone for academic and strategic exchange that will support think-tank collaboration and research. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood stressed Algeria’s strategic importance as Pakistan expands its engagement with Africa, calling for a calibrated economic partnership that leverages historical ties and shared priorities.
The event drew representatives from the diplomatic corps, academia, think-tanks, business circles, civil society and the media, and set a clear agenda for practical follow-up on trade, energy, education and institutional cooperation to strengthen Pakistan Algeria ties in the coming years.
