Editor : Tazeen Akhtar with Camera Raja Ghulam Farid
ISLAMABAD :13 Nov 2025 – The senior most speakers at a discussion have highlighted enormous potential of economic engagements with Africa and they see Algeria as the gateway to the continent for a facilitating and smooth Pakistan Africa (including Algeria) strategic partnership. Algeria offers a complete friendly environment for Pakistani business community. Algeria provides communication and connectivity into other African countries through its multiple land, sea, air corridors. The appointment of a Special Envoy of Pakistan for Africa has also been recommended at the discussion and for that Amb Hamid Asghar Khan is the best option for MOFA.
The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to commemorate Algeria’s ‘National Day’.
The proceedings, which began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Algeria, were moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Mr. Brahim Romani, Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan; Mr. Khalid Hussain Gudaro, Ambassador of Pakistan to Algeria; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and the Keynote Speaker was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA).
Ambassadors of Egypt, Zimbabwe, Acting Ambassador Tunisia, representatives from Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda and other foreign, african missions, businessmen from Pakistani side also attended the event.
Algeria is the largest country at the continent with respect to area having borders with North, South, East and West African nations with an arrangement of tax free international trade. Pakistan can benefit from the opportunities with open doors, welcoming people, supportive laws, policies, big market and safe transport across the borders. Encouraging factors between Algeria and Pakistan are enhancing participation of the companies from both sides in exhibitions and trade fairs. Last but not the least, “AAPI” IS THERE to TAKE CARE !
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, while speaking on the occasion, said that celebrating Algeria’s National Day honors the historic struggle and resilience of the Algerian people. He noted that this commemoration underscores the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Algeria. He recalled Pakistan’s full support for Algeria during its liberation struggle and particularly championing their case at the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
He highlighted Algeria’s principled leadership in Africa, the Middle East, and the Muslim world. He emphasized the significant potential for expanding Pakistan-Algeria cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, defence, and culture. He expressed his commitment to further strengthen this multifaceted partnership for shared growth, peace, and prosperity.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, said that Algeria’s National Day marks the beginning of Algeria’s heroic struggle for independence on 1 November 1954. He paid tribute to the resilience and unity of the Algerian people, whose sacrifices led to their triumph over colonial rule, and noted that the Algerian Revolution also asserted national identity and human dignity.
He recalled that Pakistan fully supported Algeria’s liberation struggle and was among the first to recognize the ‘Provisional Government of the Republic of Algeria’ in exile in September 1958, reflecting its foreign policy’s cardinal principles of commitment to decolonization, solidarity with Muslim causes, and support for the right of self-determination.
He further said that Pakistan and Algeria share a deep bond of friendship, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations. Both countries have consistently cooperated in international fora such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Advocating for peace, development, and self-determination. Within Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy, Algeria holds a special place as a leading nation in Africa and the Arab world.
He emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, defence, culture, and think-tanks collaboration and reaffirmed ISSI’s commitment to strengthening the multifaceted Pakistan-Algeria partnership.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar, in his remarks, highlighted the deep-rooted shared values between Pakistan and Algeria, paying tribute to the courage of the Algerian people during their struggle against French colonial rule.
He noted Algeria’s socio-economic progress, supported by its rich natural resources, and emphasized the potential for enhanced Pakistan-Algeria cooperation in the energy, IT, industry, and blue economy sectors. He also commended Algeria’s principled stance on Palestine, reaffirming the shared commitment of both countries to justice and solidarity, and expressed confidence in the continued expansion of the Pakistan-Algeria multifaceted partnership.
Ms. Amina Khan highlighted that Algeria’s National Day reflects the resilience and unity of its people in their struggle for freedom. She noted that Pakistan and Algeria share a strong bond of solidarity and mutual respect and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, education, energy, and research under Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative.
She also referred to the MoU signed between CAMEA and Algeria’s National Global Strategic Institute (INESG) as a milestone in strengthening academic and strategic collaboration.
Ambassador Brahim Romani highlighted the deep friendship between Pakistan and Algeria, recalling Pakistan’s early support for Algeria’s independence at the Bandung Conference and the United Nations. He emphasized their shared values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect, reflected in similar positions in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Group of 77 (G77).
He underscored the strong and growing Pakistan-Algeria ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres, and encouraged further cooperation, highlighting Algeria’s strategic location, low energy costs, and access to African and Arab free trade zones.
Ambassador shed light on bilateral cooperation at UN Security Council as non permanent members. Both countries worked on the the issues of Gaza, Palestine and Western Sahara.
On Algerian trade and economic potential, Ambassador referred to the most recent International Africa Trade Fair IATF 2025 in Sep this year. IATF held at the capital Algiers hosted renown companies from all over Africa who signed MoUs of more than USD 48 Billion.
” Pakistan is welcome to Algeria. Pakistani companies are taking keen interest in Algerian markets. The trajactory of bilateral economic cooperation is going upward since 2023, H.E Brahim Romani noted.
Ambassador strongly suggested that Pakistan may have a Special Envoy on Africa to tap the unimaginable potential of this continent.
Here it is worth mentioning that Pakistan can positively consider this proposal and implement it as soon as possible. China, Turkiye and even our rival India is doing multi billion dollar trade with African countries. Pakistan thanks to its proximity and cordial, historical relations can also benefit from the opportunities with giving due attention to this continent of today.
Ambassador Khalid Hussain Gudaro said that Pakistan and Algeria share a longstanding partnership rooted in mutual respect, historical ties, and shared values. He highlighted the potential to deepen cooperation in diplomacy, trade, defence, and cultural exchanges, and stressed both countries’ commitment to strengthening people-to-people contacts, expanding economic collaboration, and enhancing institutional mechanisms such as the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission.
He also emphasised promoting cooperation across key sectors to ensure a prosperous, stable, and peaceful future for both nations.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood noted that as Pakistan expands its engagement with Africa, Algeria holds a special strategic importance as the gateway to the continent. He added that Pakistan should further develop its strategic economic partnership with Algeria, building on their long history of cooperation and shared ideals.
The event was decorated with Algerian traditional culture and food that provided a source of amusement and taste for the participants and guests including members of the diplomatic corps, academia, think-tanks, business community, civil society, and the media. The embassy also managed to place specially prepared posters with pictures of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and headlines about Algeria.
https://aapi.dz/en/accueil-en/
The Algerian Agency for Promotion of Investment is abbreviately called AAPI. It is a coincidence that the word AAPI in Urdu stands for Elder Sister who has a lot of affection for her younger brothers and sisters. By the way, AAPI treats very good in the same manner for the investors as well. AAPI enlightens the investors Why to Invest in Algeria as ;
Stable Economic Growth
Attractive sectoral Opportunites
Structural Reforms and Business Climate
Youthful Demographics and skilled Workforce
Trade Agreements and International Partnerships
Strong Infrastructure
Natural resources Eldorado for Investors
Treasure Trove of Human Resources
Competitive Production Costs
Incentive Measures and Strong Guarantees
Advantages of Algerian Banking and Financial System
Positive impacts of Free Trade agreements for Investors
