Staff ReporterPakistan needs to set its focus on bolstering diplomatic, economic and cultural ties with North African states as the historic ties with them remain short of achieving their true potential so far. The exigency was highlighted in a consultative session titled ‘Pakistan’s relations with North African countries’ organized by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), which was addressed as keynote speaker by Pakistan’s former envoy to Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, Ambassador (r) Mushtaq Ali Shah. The former ambassador said that the recognition and appreciation of Pakistan’s contributions in Task Force 151, anti-piracy actions and UN peacekeeping missions in Africa resonates across the North African region, yet their bilateral ties remain short of achieving the true potential. Highlighting the importance of growing economic and trade ties with North Africa in juxtaposition to Europe, the former ambassador apprised that Pakistan can export its defence equipment, textile, pharmaceuticals and agro-based goods, services, films and dramas to North African states. The same applies to Pakistan’s foreign office as well which needs to devise lasting policies vis-à-vis North Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 22, 2021 20:12 UTC