Foreign Secretary inaugurates Center for Middle East, Africa

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood inaugurated the Center for Middle East and Africa at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the political, economic and strategic importance of the Middle East and Africa.

Recalling Pakistan s warm and cordial ties with the countries of the region, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan s keen desire to further enhance bilateral ties by deepening and diversifying areas of cooperation.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the strong bonds of amities with the countries in the Middle East which were rooted in shared religion, culture and values.

He appreciated how Pakistan and the countries in the Middle East stood shoulder-to-shoulder on many important occasions in history.

He lauded the contributions of more than four million Pakistani expatriates currently residing in the Middle East region, working diligently for the development of the host countries and for the progress of their own country.

The Foreign Secretary said that Africa and Pakistan shared common history of successful struggle against colonialism and faced similar developmental challenges - both of which could form a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation.