- Nigerian Diplomat Calls for Deeper Cooperation in Defence, Trade, Agriculture, Energy and Technology; ISSI Highlights Africa’s Growing Global Significance and New Opportunities for Bilateral Engagement
ISLAMABAD: Nigeria and Pakistan should build upon their longstanding friendship and transform their historic relationship into a more dynamic, forward-looking strategic partnership, Charge d’Affaires of Nigeria to Pakistan, Mohammed Yasau, has emphasised.
“The friendship between Nigeria and Pakistan is rooted in shared history, strengthened by mutual trust, and destined for a future of greater strategic cooperation,” he remarked while addressing Nigeria’s National Day celebration at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Mohammed Yasau stressed that both countries should translate their longstanding goodwill, mutual confidence and shared aspirations into practical cooperation across key sectors, including defence and security, trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy and information technology. He also called for stronger coordination at multilateral forums.
Highlighting the two countries’ shared responsibility in promoting international peace, equitable development and a more representative global order, he underscored the importance of closer diplomatic engagement and stronger institutional partnerships.
ISSI Calls for Stronger Economic and Diplomatic Engagement
In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General of ISSI, highlighted Nigeria’s considerable economic potential, rich cultural heritage and influential role in Africa. Recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Nigeria in 1961, he described their relationship as a longstanding partnership built on friendship and mutual respect.
He called for expanding bilateral trade, enhancing economic engagement and accelerating progress towards the bilateral trade treaty to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Highlights Africa’s Growing Global Importance
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed recalled the historic bonds between Pakistan and Nigeria, particularly the legacy of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
He highlighted Africa’s growing importance in global political and economic affairs, emphasising the enormous opportunities available to Pakistan through stronger engagement with the continent in trade, investment, education and research.
He further stressed the need to transform longstanding goodwill between Pakistan and African nations into meaningful economic partnerships, people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation.
Pakistan Sees Vast Potential for Trade and Investment
Muhammad Imran, Head of Chancery at Pakistan’s Mission in Nigeria, highlighted the considerable potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education and other priority sectors.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening business-to-business connections, encouraging investment partnerships and creating new avenues for commercial engagement between the private sectors of both countries.
CAMEA Promotes Stronger Intellectual Engagement with Africa
In her welcome remarks, Dr Amina Khan, Director of the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s intellectual and policy engagement with Africa.
She highlighted the importance of developing a deeper understanding of the African continent, promoting informed dialogue and expanding cooperation with African partners through knowledge-sharing, research and mutual learning.
ISSI Chairman Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Nigeria
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, described Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa,” recognising its immense potential, talented population, energy and ambitions.
He appreciated CAMEA and the Nigerian Mission for bringing together diplomats, policymakers, academics and researchers for the celebration and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Nigeria.
Celebrating Friendship and Building a Shared Future
The National Day celebration was jointly organised by CAMEA at ISSI and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic community, policymakers, researchers and other distinguished participants.
The event provided an important platform to celebrate Nigeria’s national identity and its enduring friendship with Pakistan, while exploring fresh opportunities to advance bilateral relations.
With their longstanding diplomatic relations, complementary economic strengths and shared commitment to international cooperation, Nigeria and Pakistan have considerable potential to establish a stronger partnership that contributes to prosperity, regional stability and closer engagement between South Asia and Africa.
BY: The Times Union
