ISLAMABAD: Charge d’Affaires of Nigeria to Pakistan Mohammed Yasau has called for Nigeria and Pakistan to move beyond their longstanding historical ties and work towards a more dynamic and forward-looking strategic partnership.
Speaking at Nigeria’s National Day celebration held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), he said the friendship between the two countries was rooted in shared history, strengthened by mutual trust, and destined for greater strategic cooperation.
Mohammed Yasau stressed the need to translate mutual trust and shared aspirations into practical cooperation in defence and security, trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy and information technology. He also called for stronger coordination between the two countries at multilateral forums.
He underlined that Nigeria and Pakistan shared a responsibility to advance global peace, equitable development and a more representative international order.
In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential, cultural heritage and regional leadership. He noted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Nigeria since 1961 and called for increased bilateral trade as well as faster progress on the bilateral trade treaty.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed recalled the historical links between Pakistan and Nigeria, including the legacy of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He said Africa’s growing global importance offered opportunities for Pakistan in trade, investment, education and research. He reaffirmed the need to convert longstanding goodwill into practical cooperation between Pakistan and African countries.
Muhammad Imran, Head of Chancery at Pakistan’s Mission in Nigeria, said there was immense potential for enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, education and other key sectors. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening business ties between the two countries.
In her welcome remarks, Dr Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, highlighted CAMEA’s commitment to deepening Pakistan’s intellectual engagement with Africa and promoting greater understanding of the continent. She also stressed the importance of strengthening ties with African partners through dialogue and shared learning.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, described Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa”, highlighting its energy, talent and ambition. He commended CAMEA and the Nigeria Mission for organising the gathering and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The National Day celebration was jointly organised by CAMEA at ISSI and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The event brought together diplomats, policymakers and researchers.
