The continent of future is Africa that the colonial occupants exploited a lot in the last century. They looted its resources and took thousands of its innocent citizens to bonded labor in their countries for decades. But the two world wars paved the way for the colonized countries to snatch their independence as the occupants exhausted destroying one another. Africa and Asia both were their colonies and both started freedom struggle together. That is why both feel for each other.
1955 Bandung conference gathered the leaders of newly liberated countries of Africa and Asia and they shaped up a road map to bring an end to colonialism that facilitated more countries of the two continents to secure their freedom and sovereignty. Thus we can say that our sorrows and joys are common.
Turkiye and India are having trade with Africa more than $ 50 Billion. China has constructed first ever out of mainland base in Africa. It is all only because the continent still has the resources that are beneficial for the whole world.
Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with African countries. Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy was designed in the same connection. Pakistan is late but now started building close and expanded connections with Africa by opening new missions in two years ago.
African countries formed African Unity to bring peace and prosperity to their continent. We see unity among the African countries in various activities that Ambassadors of African countries arrange in Islamabad. African Day on 14 June 2024 at Serena Hotels Islamabad was the latest expression of their unity and harmony.
The culture, traditions, food, dresses and in short everything expressing Africa was in display in the event. The event featured cultural shows, African heritage and diverse cuisines of different countries of this promising continent.
Different African countries including Morocco, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Zimbabwe and others set up their food and culinary stalls on the occasion to offer unique and diverse taste of African food.
The rich and diversified culture, delightful food and hospitality of the staff of the African embassies won the hearts of the guests that were invited from different walks of life. A large number of diplomats, parliamentarians, the government officials and representatives from various organizations were included among them. The event forged strong connection between African Nations and Pakistan.
Dean of the African Group H.E. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco, and others heads of missions from others African countries were present.Federal Minister for Energy Mussadaq Masood Malik graced the occasion as chief guest. High Commissioner of Mauritius Mr. Rashidally Soobadar, and Nigerian Charge d’ Affaires , Mr. Mohammed Tafida and Amna Khan of ISSI enlightened the guests about potential Africa carries in the international arena.
Minister Malik in his address at the occasion, emphasized the growing trade and business relations between Pakistan and the African countries since there was a huge potential in this sector lying untapped. The event highlighted the strong diplomatic ties and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and the African nations.
At the Nigerian stall , the staff served their famous jollof rice, pappar meat and moi moi. The spiced multi-coloured rice looks like Pakistani biryani or Italian risotto.The dish was quite appetising and was complemented especially well by the pappar meat.
“We cook it in thick gravy of tomato to make a stew with onions, curry powder and local spices. However, what makes the dish filled with flavours are the wild herbs such as dried thyme and bay leaves,” explained the Nigerian diplomat who was also serving as the chef at the stall.
There were a number of stalls representing various African countries and their traditional and popular art, craft, heritage, handicraft and other products. The visitors took keen interest in the jewelry items, the Egyptian sculptures of Pharaohs, ancient tools and relics, etc.
The visitors liked the African food and according to them it was similar to the Pakistani food in spices and cuisine that showed a strong connection between the two nations.
Tazeen Akhtar
