Pakistan and Djibouti have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral political consultations and also held the inaugural session, expressing satisfaction at the existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.  Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa Division) Hamid Asghar Khan and Permanent Secretary General (Foreign Secretary) of Djibouti Mahmoud Ali Hassan signed it on behalf of their respective sides, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. 

The two sides termed the MoU a historic step towards building a comprehensive and enduring bilateral partnership focusing on trade and investment in the coming days.  The two sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations including political, economic, and defence and security spheres, and exchanged views on further deepening bilateral ties through increased engagement at all levels.  Expressing satisfaction at the excellent multilateral cooperation, both sides also shared views on various regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The discussion particularly focused on the situation in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.  Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Djibouti are strengthening day by day since Pakistan opened its resident Mission in Djibouti in May, 2022.  The next session of the Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad early next year. The visit by the Foreign Minister of Djibouti and establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) is envisaged in the first half of 2025.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)