Pakistan wants to nurture relations with African countries under the “Engage Africa” policy: Sadiq Sanjrani

ISLAMABAD, FEB 15 /DNA/ – In a meeting with a Parliamentary delegation of Ivory Coast, headed by the President of the National Assembly of Cote D’Ivoire, Adama Bictogo, the Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy plays a key role in fostering relations between the nations, and both Pakistan and Cote D’lvoire needs to effectively utilize this conduit to improve collaboration.

An Ivorian delegation, headed by Adama Bictogo today called on Chairman Senate here at International Parliamentarian Congress (IPC) in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to enrich cooperation in the fields of agriculture, trade, and investment as well the promotion of people-to-people contacts through high-level exchanges between the two countries. Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman said that Pakistan considers Ivory Coast an important country and wants to promote ties with African countries under its “Engage Africa” policy.  He stated that both countries enjoy good relations in various fields and need to help each other in the development process. Sanjrani remarked that both countries have great potential for promoting political and economic cooperation, and urged the need for the businessmen of the Ivory Coast to visit and invest in Pakistan, particularly in Gwadar. The Chairman underscored that the business community of Ivory Coast should work together with the Pakistani business community to promote trade and economic ties that will benefit the economy of both countries. Adama Bictogo underlined that the leadership of his country wants to improve relations with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest. He briefed the Chairman about the steps taken by his country for the transformation of its economy. Chairman Senate while briefing the delegation about the business and functions of the Senate of Pakistan extended legislative assistance to the Parliament of Ivory Coast, adding that Parliamentarians from Ivory Coast can be trained at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS). Adama Bictogo said that Ivory Coast faces security challenges, adding that his country wants to increase cooperation with Pakistan forces to counter security challenges. “The policy of Ivory Coast is now open to all countries, Pakistan can also benefit from investment opportunities in Ivory Coast”, he added. Adama Bictogo on behalf of the President of Ivory Coast expressed condolences over the sad demise of the former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf. Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senators Naseebullah Bazai, Fida Muhammad, Fawzia Arshad, MNA Naz Baloch and officers of the Senate Secretariat accompanied the Chairman during the meeting.