TIMES REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Rwanda on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as diplomats, policymakers, and scholars gathered in Islamabad to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day, celebrating the African nation’s journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to peace, reconciliation, and rapid socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, jointly organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), speakers praised Rwanda’s remarkable transformation and highlighted expanding cooperation between Islamabad and Kigali.
Chairman ISSI Board of Governors Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said the opening of diplomatic missions in both capitals had ushered in a new era of cooperation in trade, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He also recalled Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping and post-genocide recovery, paying tribute to former Foreign Secretary Shaharyar M. Khan for his services as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Rwanda.
Chief Guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed described Rwanda as a model of resilience, reconciliation, and modernization. He emphasized Pakistan’s historic support for African liberation movements and called for stronger Pakistan-Rwanda cooperation and greater Afro-Asian solidarity.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou highlighted her country’s achievements in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, healthcare, clean energy, and sustainable development, while expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation with Pakistan would continue to expand, particularly in climate change and green energy.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Muhammad Naeem Khan, said the growing exchange of high-level visits and business delegations had boosted bilateral trade and encouraged Pakistani investors and tourists to explore opportunities in Rwanda.
Director CAMEA Dr. Amina Khan said the strengthening of diplomatic relations had created fresh momentum for engagement with Africa, expressing optimism that Pakistan-Rwanda friendship would continue to deepen through closer institutional and people-to-people links.
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