ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Egyptian diplomats and policy experts on Wednesday called for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education and academic exchanges during an event marking Egypt’s Revolution Day in Islamabad.
The event was organised by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research.
Speakers said Pakistan-Egypt relations were gaining momentum through renewed political consultations and growing interest in economic, diplomatic and institutional cooperation.
Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Hassan described the July 23, 1952 Revolution as a major turning point in Egypt’s modern history, rooted in national independence, sovereignty and social justice.
He said the revolution also influenced liberation movements across the Arab world, Africa and the Global South.
The ambassador said Pakistan and Egypt shared a commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, international law and multilateral cooperation.
He also highlighted the role of think tanks and academic institutions in promoting cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, culture and people-to-people contacts.
ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque said Egypt remained an important partner under Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy.
He said the two countries shared longstanding ties based on mutual respect and cooperation, and called for stronger links between Pakistani and Egyptian research institutions.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, president of PAIDAR, described Egypt as a central political and strategic actor in the Arab world.
He said the 1952 Revolution had inspired nationalist movements across the region and reaffirmed the strategic importance of Pakistan-Egypt relations.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Egypt Aamir Shoukat said bilateral ties had benefited from the revival of political consultations and closer diplomatic engagement.
He called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, academic exchanges and policy research.
Additional Foreign Secretary for Africa Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan said Egypt was an important partner for Pakistan in promoting regional peace, South-South cooperation and economic connectivity.
He identified trade, investment, defence, tourism and people-to-people exchanges as areas with significant potential for expansion.
CAMEA Director Dr. Amina Khan said Pakistan and Egypt shared similar views on several regional issues and stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa through research and policy dialogue.
ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said Egypt remained an influential partner in regional peace, security and development.
The event concluded with calls for deeper bilateral engagement across diplomatic, economic, academic and cultural fields.
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