Staff Reporter
The Pakistan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Murad Baseer marked the country’s National Day with a reception at the Peech Boutique Hotel in Harare, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Zimbabwe. In his speech, the Ambassador reflected on the historical ties between the two nations and looked forward to a bright future of bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Baseer emphasised the significant contributions of Pakistan professionals, including teachers, doctors, engineers, and defense personnel, who played a key role in Zimbabwe’s nation-building efforts. “Many of these individuals and their families, especially doctors, are still practicing in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system today,” he noted.
Ambassador Baseer praised the growing presence of Pakistan entrepreneurs and business leaders in Zimbabwe, who are making a mark in various sectors such as textiles, steel, and mining. “Today, we also find a new breed of Pakistani entrepreneurs and business tycoons who are contributing to the economy of Zimbabwe and have made a mark for themselves,” he said.
Looking ahead, he expressed his enthusiasm for the future of bilateral relations between the two countries. “The Government of Pakistan seeks to renew and revive its focus on the future bilateral relations in light of the vision of the Second Republic,” he said. “I am glad that Zimbabwe has opened its first-ever diplomatic mission in Islamabad, which is expected to bring the two nations even closer.”
Ambassador Baseer highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, and noted that there are investment opportunities for Pakistan companies in Zimbabwe. “There are investment opportunities for Pakistani companies in Textiles, processed foods, Pharmaceuticals, Agri-machinery, Agri-implements/tools, Cosmetics, two & three wheelers, kitchenware and utensils, paints and chemicals, auto parts, etc.,” he said.
Guest of Honour, Honourable Shiella Chikomo, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, highlighted the strong historical ties between Zimbabwe and Pakistan. “During the struggle for our liberation, Pakistan inspired and provided valuable political, material, and diplomatic support to our cadres,” she said.
Deputy Minister Chikomo expressed her enthusiasm for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on bilateral political and diplomatic consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
“I look forward to the signing of the MOU as it will pave way to the inaugural session of our diplomatic consultation,” she said. “This will give some impetus to our efforts to deepen, broaden and consolidate the excellent relations that so exist between our two countries and the peoples.”
She also highlighted the importance of defense cooperation between the two countries, noting that the Air Force of Zimbabwe and its Pakistan counterpart have an operational protocol on training. “Under the protocol, our two countries send officers on exchange programmes to each other’s capitals,” she said.
However, Deputy Minister Chikomo noted that despite excellent bilateral political relations, the level of trade between the two countries remains low. “I urge us to identify the trade barriers and work on improving our trade relations,” she said. “I am encouraged by the fact that a number of Pakistan investors have expressed interest in the business and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.”
