Islamabad:Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR) President Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said that that Pakistan and Kenya share deep historical ties rooted in a common colonial legacy, commonwealth membership and Pakistan’s support for Kenya’s independence.
Mushahid was speaking as chief guest at an event organised here by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and PAIDAR to commemorate Kenya’s Jamhuri Day.
He highlighted strong contemporary relations, including nearly one billion dollars in bilateral trade, Pakistan’s import of Kenyan tea, people-to-people links, defence and civil service cooperation and a vibrant diaspora. Noting their partnership in the Global South, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road, he emphasised Afro-Asian solidarity and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Dr Amina Khan, Director, ISSI, stated that Kenya’s Jamhuri Day reflects the country’s historic struggle for independence and its continued commitment to unity, development and regional cooperation.
She highlighted Kenya’s importance under Pakistan’s Engage Africa initiative and strengthening of Pakistan-Kenya relations through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and sustained institutional engagement.
Lt Gen (r) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan, said Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrated its journey from colonial rule to independence and honoured the nation’s founders.
He highlighted Kenya’s stability, democracy, economic dynamism, leadership in regional peace, climate resilience, technology and noted strong, longstanding relations with Pakistan including growing cooperation in trade, maritime security, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), MOFA, highlighted the cordial Pakistan-Kenya relations, emphasising trade, connectivity, and complementarities in tea and rice. He expressed interest in agricultural projects, joint industrial ventures, youth skills development and collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, military, tourism and Mombasa Port.
