Ambassador of Somalia to Pakistan Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi thanks Pakistan for hosting Somalian students; bilateral relations to grow even stronger: Wajiha Akram

EXCLUSIVE

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, OCT 24 (DNA) – Ambassador of Somalia to Pakistan Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi, has thanked Pakistan for hosting Somalian students adding relations between the two countries have seen new heights in past years. She said our bilateral relations continue to make positive strides in the right direction.

She expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of Graduation Ceremony of Somalian students studying in various Pakistani universities. She said a similar graduation ceremony was held here two years ago, adding she will try to hold this ceremony on a regular basis.

Ms. Wajiha Akram, Chairman, Parliamentary Secretary Professional Education and Training was the chief guest while ambassadors of African countries were also present on the occasion along with officials from higher education commission.

The Ambassador appreciated the HEC and Pakistani universities for facilitating Somalian students. She said that around 1200 Somalian students were currently studying in Pakistani universities.

The Somalian ambassador said a lot of Somalian students have graduated from Pakistan and they are now contributing greatly to the Somalian society. Some of them have even reached the highest positions in Somalia.

Ambassador said she was lucky to be here with the Somalian students celebrating the graduation ceremony. She especially thanked those who wholeheartedly supported Somalia students in Pakistan.

Ms. Wajiha Akram in her speech, said the presence of Somali students in Pakistan speaks volumes for the deep rooted relationship between the two countries. She said students are our future ambassadors who would for sure contribute greatly towards further strengthening of bilateral relations after completing their education. Some students of Somalia have established Urdu language institutes back in Somalia which ostensibly is a great honor for our both nations.

Wajiha said since the 1960s we have had an important and solid mutual relationship with Somalia and great people of Somalia. The African continent is a rising regional giant with a population of 1.6 billion people. The continent, as we know, is rich with mineral resources and an exporter of energy resources.

Pakistan has a lot of goodwill in the region as the country has always championed the cause of   the African countries. We must continue this path of mutual cooperation especially in the field of education, she added.

Later the chief guest along with Ambassadors of the African countries gave away certificates to the graduating students.

A famous Somali singer came all the way from Somalia to perform on the occasion. His mesmerizing performance simply left the audience spell-bound. The students presented traditional Somali cultural dances, which added color to the event.