ISSI hosts special event to celebrate ‘Africa Day 2025’
The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized on Monday a special event to celebrate “Africa Day 2025.” The speakers included Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Amb Hamid Asghar Khan, Dean of the African Corps/Amb of Morocco, Mohammad Karmoune, Director General ISSI Amb Sohail Mahmood; Chairman BoG, ISSI, Amb Khalid Mahmood and Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan.
In a video recorded message Amb. Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, shared her perspective on Pakistan-Africa relations.
The event was attended by a large number of diplomats, academics, practitioners, students, members of the media, and African diaspora. The heads of the African Missions in Pakistan and Heads of Pakistan Missions in Africa also shared their views on the occasion. Stalls exhibiting African products and art work depicting African culture were also set up by African Missions in Islamabad.
While appreciating the ISSI for organizing ‘Africa Day,’ Amb Mohammed Karmoune highlighted the African Union’s achievements in unity, development, and its growing global role, including joining the G20. He outlined three priorities for Africa’s progress: investment, AfCFTA, and a stronger voice in global governance. He praised Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ and ‘Engage Africa’ policies, expanding diplomatic outreach, and the Pakistan-Africa Special Engagement Fund, calling for deeper collaboration through joint ventures, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
In his remarks, Amb Hamid Asghar Khan described Africa as a welcoming, resource-rich continent with vast potential. While acknowledging its progress, he noted the ongoing challenges such as hunger and conflict, and stressed the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and deeper South-South ties. He highlighted Pakistan’s tourism and defence sectors as key areas for collaboration, and underscored the importance of regular political engagement, active resident missions, and enhanced cooperation at the UN. He concluded by commending ISSI’s role in promoting Pakistan-Africa relations.
In his remarks on the occasion, Director General (DG) ISSI Amb Sohail Mahmood stated that ‘Africa Day’ is a moment to reflect on the continent’s rich history, cultural diversity, and enduring struggles and aspirations of its people for freedom, dignity, and development.
He noted that the observance commemorates the founding of the African Union (AU) and symbolizes shared values of resilience, justice, and solidarity. He recalled Pakistan’s strong political, diplomatic and material support to African nations in their liberation struggles and quest for the right to self-determination. He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to peace and security in Africa through participation in UN peacekeeping missions since the 1960s. Reflecting on evolving perceptions of Africa, he emphasized its transformation into the “continent of the future,” marked by immense economic potential and strategic significance.
