By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across trade, education, technology and sustainable development as diplomats, policymakers and scholars gathered in Islamabad to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day.
The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). It began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Rwanda and brought together senior diplomats and policy experts to reflect on Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the growing partnership between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Harerimana Fatou, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Rwanda Muhammad Naeem Khan, CAMEA Director Dr Amina Khan and PAIDAR President Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who attended as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood described Rwanda’s Liberation Day as a symbol of the country’s extraordinary journey from one of the darkest chapters in its history to an era of peace, reconciliation and national development. He said Pakistan valued its expanding relationship with Rwanda, which was founded on mutual respect and shared aspirations for regional peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Mahmood said the opening of diplomatic missions in Kigali and Islamabad had created fresh opportunities for cooperation in commerce, education, science, technology and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to deepen through sustained diplomatic engagement.
