Islamabad:Pakistan 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' organised by the 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. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had visited Cairo in 1946 and held meetings not only with the King and government officials but also leaders of Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen (Muslim Brotherhood), Ambassador Ali further recollected. 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 23, 2021 00:56 UTC