ISLAMABAD: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Sunday highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan-Zimbabwe relations saying that Islamabad had supported Zimbabwe`s struggle for independence.

`Ties between Zimbabwe and Pakistan were further strengthened after independence through high-level visits, including those by President Mugabe to Pakistan and the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Harare, ` Mr Sayed said while speaking as chief guest at a function organised on Zimbabwe`s 45th National Day.Emphasising close defence cooperation and solidarity, he called for deeper engagement with the Global South and reaffirmed Pakistan`s continued support for Zimbabwe intheyearsahead.

The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) had organised the function at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR).

Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Pakistan`s strong, longstanding ties with Zimbabwe, noting Pakistan`s early recognition of Zimbabwe`s sovereignty and support during its independence struggle, including support to the Zimbabwe Air Force.

He emphasised enhancing bilateral economic ties, particularly through trade and investment as part of Pakistan`s pivot to geo-economics.

He also proposed increasing bilateral visits and promoting initiatives like the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council and ane-commerce platform to boost trade and business with Zimbabwe.

ISSI Director General retired Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said Zimbabwe`s struggle for independence achieved on April 18, 1980, was a story of courage, determination, sacrifice and resilience that resonated with countries like Pakistan which shared a legacy of anti-colonial struggle.

He underscored the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, built on shared principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation.

Mr Mahmood noted the positive evolution of bilateral relations since their establishment in 1980 with collaboration in key sectors such as education, agriculture, health, and defence.

He said trade ties between the two countries were gradually growing, but there was still a vast untapped potential to be realised.

He also lauded Zimbabwe`s role as a key partner in Southern Africa under Pakistan`s`Engage Africa` policy and welcomed the opening of Zimbabwe`s embassy in Islamabad in 2023.

Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Pakistan T.M.J Abu-Basutu, retired Air Marshal, in his remarks appreciated ISSI for organising the celebration of Zimbabwe`s National Day and highlighted the longstanding ties between Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

He acknowledged Pakistan`s consistent support since Zimbabwe`s independence, particularly in defence cooperation and the training of Zimbabwe`s air force.

Emphasising the need to expand bilateralties,he pointed to the untapped potential in sectors such as trade, mining, tourism, and infrastructure, and called for greater collaboration between the governments and private sectors of both countries to foster economic growth and deepen the partnership.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Zimbabwe Murad Baseer also highlighted Pakistan`s historic support for Zimbabwe`s independence and stressed the need to furtherstrengthenbilateralties.

He emphasised the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Zimbabwe, particularly in business and mining, and suggested leveraging skilled professionals to enhance cooperation.

He also stressed economic diplomacy and benefiting from Zimbabwe`s potential in the agriculture and mining sectors.

He urged Pakistani companies to explore long-term investments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emphasised the importance ofregionalintegration, stating that investing in one country can open doors to the entire region.

Chairman BoG ISSI retired Ambassador Khalid Mahmood stressed the need to further strengthen ties, pivot towards geo-economics, and fully utilise existing mechanisms, expressing hope for deeper PakistanZimbabwe relations in the future.

Director Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa Amina Khan, highlighted the significance of commemorating Zimbabwe`s National Day.