Islamabad: Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed underscoring the potential for enhanced engagement between Pakistan, Rwanda, and the broader African continent has called for deeper South-South cooperation.
Mr Mushahid was addressing an event organised here by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR) to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day. Amina Khan, Director, ISSI, moderated.
Mr Mushahid emphasised the significance of commemorating Rwanda’s Liberation Day, not only as a moment of national pride, but as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people. He praised President Paul Kagame and Rwanda’s leadership for their critical role in unifying the country and steering it toward progress after the 1994 genocide, which the Rwandan nation courageously ended through its own efforts. Reflecting on global injustices, he noted that the world witnessed three major genocides in the last three decades --- Rwanda, Bosnia and the ongoing one in Gaza and highlighted the double-standards of the international system. He commended the growing Pakistan–Rwanda relationship in diverse areas from political to economic to defence.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary, (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), called the Rwandan genocide a failure of the UN system, with its legacy echoed in Gaza today. He praised Rwanda’s resilience and development under President Kagame and expressed Pakistan’s interest in deeper ties. He welcomed recent diplomatic steps and highlighted opportunities for cooperation in education, IT, tourism and industry.
Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, highlighted Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide into a peaceful, resilient and progressive nation. She emphasised the deepening Rwanda–Pakistan relationship marked by diplomatic missions and MoUs in key sectors. She thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and expressed commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, education and tourism. Muhammad Naeem Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda, noted the growing strength of Pakistan-Rwanda relations, marked by a rise in trade from $34 million to $127 million and a growing Pakistani community in Rwanda.
