By Uzma Ehtasham
KARACHI: A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Ivory Coast visited the city on Tuesday, engaging in talks at the Honorary Consulate of Ivory Coast in Karachi.
The five-member team was warmly received by Honorary Consul General Fazal Karim Dadabhoy, who presented the visitors with Sindh’s traditional Ajrak and a bouquet, highlighting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and the province’s spirit of hospitality. Officials described the meeting as both cordial and constructive, with discussions centering on avenues for strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade, and expanding agricultural cooperation.
The delegation explored opportunities to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, including food security, research, and investment in agricultural technologies. Dadabhoy emphasized that trade between Pakistan and the Ivory Coast had already reached $200 million, and he highlighted the potential for further growth in commerce and cultural exchange.
Members of the Ivorian delegation expressed admiration for Karachi’s vibrant energy, rich culinary traditions, and the warmth of its people, noting that such experiences reinforced the friendship between the two nations. They stressed their desire to see more structured collaboration and exchanges in agriculture, education, and cultural initiatives, reflecting a commitment to building long-term partnerships beyond trade alone.
The visit concluded with a symbolic gesture that encapsulated the spirit of the meeting: the planting of a sapling, representing growth, friendship, and a shared commitment to nurturing a sustainable and promising future for bilateral relations. Observers said the event underscored Pakistan’s growing engagement with West African nations and its efforts to combine diplomacy, trade, and cultural outreach to strengthen international ties.
