I have found Pakistan a great country

to live, says Kenyan envoy

ISLAMABAD, DEC 13 (DNA) = Colourful cultural performances and traditional Kenyan cuisines provided the guests with a real feast during the National Day reception hosted by High Commissioner of Kenya Julius Bitok.

Federal Minister of Privatisation Muhammadmian Somroo and a large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the reception. Moreover, the ambassadors of all the all African countries share the stage with the host.

High Commissioner Julius Bitok, ever since his arrival in Pakistan, is all agog in giving new dimensions to bilateral relations. During his tenure the trade volume has gone significantly up while relations in other fields also happen to be on positive trajectory.

In his remarks on the occasion the high commissioner said Kenya and Pakistan were good friends.

High Commission Bitok said Pakistan was a great country and what the international media says about it is just not true.

It is a peaceful country full of opportunities. It has rich culture, music, art and poetry. The real treasure in Pakistan is its warm, hardworking, friendly and welcoming people.

Pakistan is faced with a view challenges related to peace and security but Pakistan is a valued world partner in the fight against Global threat of terrorism. Kenya has confidence in Pakistan’s government capabilities to overcome these challenges. We shall in this regard continue to work in peace, security and socio-economic development of Kenya and Pakistan so that our people can live in respect and dignity.

“Our relationship started long before we established first diplomatic ties. The two sides have long followed the principle of sensor of friendship in mutual respect. Kenya and Pakistan have been collaborating for long in various fields of development.  Pakistan needs to further reach out to Kenya and engage the business community through institutions like the Chambers of Commerce and industry”.

He said they had a specific mandate to improve bilateral relationship and strengthen trade cultural and political relationship with a great nation of Pakistan.

A relationship has been cordial before and even after inception of Kenya High Commission in 1984 bilateral trade has risen over the time for 200 million USD 10 years ago to over 650 million USD in 2018.

He said, they wanted to aggressively engage with Pakistan business community. “This year I personally visited 7 chambers of commerce and industry in sectors of interest to Kenya namely rice, surgical instruments, textiles and pharmaceuticals. I am also closely in contact with Pakistani authorities for direct flights of Kenya Airways (KQ) to Karachi”.

He said, the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and corruption menace have been commendable. This can increase direct foreign invest remarkably. =DNA

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