Egypt, Pakistan keys for achieving stability in their regions: Pakistani diplomat at IWLS - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

24-02-2025

Several Pakistani diplomats and officials affirmed that the Egyptian-Pakistani distinguished relations are a model of bilateral cooperation in various fields, making both countries key players in achieving stability in their regions.
This came during Ahram Online's participation in the Fifth International Workshop for Leadership and Stability (IWLS), which took place in Islamabad from 17 to 22 February. The workshop discussed leadership, stability, and developments in the international arena.
The Institute of Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA), a premier think tank focused on contemporary security and strategic issues at the National Defense University (NDU) of Pakistan, has organized the workshop.
During the workshop, many Pakistani diplomats highlighted the political, diplomatic, and economic coordination between Egypt and Pakistan in international organizations, the military field, and combating terrorism.
Egypt is the first Middle Eastern country where Pakistan opened an embassy immediately after gaining independence in June 1948.
Pakistani top officials also stressed their support to Egypt's leadership and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's stance toward the Gaza conflict, the Palestinians' rights to establish their independent state, and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
The international workshop has provided a platform for sharing Pakistan's perspective on diverse global issues and promoting global dialogue.
It included 65 foreign participants representing 46 countries from different regions.
Several world leaders, senior policymakers, diplomats, ambassadors, government advisors, academic circles, senior executives, representatives of international media, parliamentarians, and the business community have participated in the event.
Moreover, the workshop was attended by representatives of global think tanks and 32 Pakistani participants from diverse sectors, including business leaders, diplomats, government officials, think tank representatives, the media, and young professionals.
Speaking to participants at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari urged global cooperation and partnerships to address challenges such as climate change, poverty, and disinformation.
He called for promoting collaboration among countries to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
"The world has faced various economic, environmental, security, disinformation, and technological challenges, which require global cooperation," he said.
He added that Pakistan was the gateway to landlocked Central Asian countries, which were welcome to benefit from Gwadar Port to promote shared development and prosperity.
The Pakistani president reaffirmed his country's commitment to regional connectivity and economic collaboration, inviting international partners to work together toward a secure and sustainable future.
'Choose dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict, and hope over fear to create lasting change," he stated.
Furthermore, Zardarie encouraged participants to translate their insights from the workshop into real-world solutions, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial in shaping perspectives on leadership, governance, and stability.
The workshop sessions featured discussions and extensive interaction between high-level leaders and politicians on leadership and international security policy topics.
The sessions discussed the impact of the global and regional geopolitical environment on social and economic development, understanding global trends, information, art, culture, and heritage of Pakistan, and the role of media and technology in achieving stability and development.
They also focused on the rapid global transformations in the international arena and formulating a policy for a common future.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Minister of State for Finance, Revenue, and Power Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked Egypt for its great help to the Muslim world. He particularly commended its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Gazans and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to the strip through the Rafah border crossing.
Egypt-Pakistan economic ties
He added that Egypt is a gateway to the African continent and the Middle East and plays a key role in enhancing trade and economic cooperation and opening new horizons at the bilateral level.
'The only way we can get more foreign investment is by showcasing the successes of the investments made in Pakistan. Previously, Orascom bought mobiling. When it liquidated, it made tons of money. So, we need to have more of those examples,' he said.
'Orascom Group is again carrying out the 18th real estate development project. We need to showcase more successes, build on the Pakistani brand, and try to inspire confidence among investors that this time, Pakistan means business," he expressed.
Malik stated that the Pakistani government is also working to strengthen relations with Egypt. With a population of about 250 million, Pakistan is a lucrative market for Egyptian investments.
Pakistan has also launched investor-friendly trade, investment, and industrial policies. Its rich resources, capabilities, strategic location, skilled labour, and enormous potential make it a major attraction for enhancing trade and supporting social and economic development aspirations.
He noted that Egypt and Pakistan are working to strengthen their trade relations, find opportunities for trade and investment, sign joint venture agreements in various sectors of common interest, and identify Pakistani capabilities in various sectors.
Shared stance on Palestinian cause
For his part, former Pakistani diplomat Ambassador Zamir Akram told Ahram Online that Egypt and Pakistan are key players in achieving stability in their regions. Egyptian-Pakistani relations have always been strong.
On the Gaza war, he said: "We have worked with Egypt on trying to promote some peaceful solution, a resolution of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution."
He affirmed that Egypt is a very important country globally for ensuring peace and security, especially in the region.
He also described US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, saying: "It's all unrealistic because the Palestinians have demonstrated that they are not going to leave their ancestral homes and land."
He noted that the surrounding Arab and Islamic countries and the Arab League must also play a more proactive role toward the Palestinian cause.
Workshop's additional programme
The workshop's programme included a visit to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the participants met with Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, who reviewed a large part of Pakistani foreign policy at the regional and international levels and the challenges facing Pakistan.
They also met with Ambassador Amna Baloch, Pakistan's foreign secretary.
The Egyptian delegation, or Ahram Online, participated effectively and reflected Egypt's stance toward several issues related to its foreign policy. Egypt also clarified its position on the Palestinian issue and the events in Libya and Sudan.
Moreover, they participated in a panel titled "How do modern media, including social media, influence public perceptions of conflict? What responsibility do media platforms and the government have in fostering stability?"
The programme also included visiting the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad.
In addition, participants visited the Faisal Mosque, the Lok Versa Museum, which displays Pakistan's history, culture, fashion, costumes, and provinces throughout the ages, and the Pakistani National Council of Arts (PNCA), which showcases art and music performances that reflect Pakistani folk arts and rich culture.
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