Pakistan to Always Reciprocate Algeria in Promotion of Cooperation : Minister Assures the Ambassador @ National Day Celebration

“Algeria is gateway to Africa, Arab World, Europe – Future of Mutual Cooperation is Bright : Ambassador Dr. Brahim ROMANI”

The Embassy celebrates the 70th anniversary of the glorious National Day in Islamabad

Report : Tazeen Akhtar

Pakistan has reiterated her firm resolve to continue working together with Algeria in all sectors and on all regional and international forums. Federal Minister Information Technology And Telecommunication Of Pakistan, Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that Pakistan will reciprocate to all steps taken by Government of Algeria to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

She expressed these views in her address as chief guest at a noble reception hosted by H.E , Dr. Brahim ROMANI , the Ambassador of Algeria to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the glorious National Day of his country on 01 Nov 2024 at Serena Hotels Islamabad.

The minister paid homage to 1.5 million martyrs of the freedom struggle of Algeria on behalf of people and gov of Pakistan. She also wished the best for their well being. She observed silence with the host ambassador and the guests in honor of the martyrs.

H.E Dr.Brahim ROMANI,in his welcome address, praised the long-standing and solid relations of solidarity, coordination and cooperation between Algeria and Pakistan, stressing the importance of Algeria as a major pivotal country in its region, the gateway to Africa and the third largest economy on the continent.

A documentary was screened on Algerian history of freedom struggle , independence, construction of the state , infrastructure, building of relations with the other countries, foreign and economic diplomacy, industrial potential, investment opportunities, communication & connectivity with neighboring countries and beyond, tourism attractions and other developmental activities.

President H.H Abdelmadjid Tebboune has led his nation to the path of economic stability and financial independence. The Algerian people , acknowledging his contributions in the promotion and prosperity of the country reelected him as the President on 07 Sep 2024 with majority vote. His portraits were posted along with other informative material and pictures in the spacious halls of the hotel.

As the event started , Minister Shaza Fatima in her speech, spoke highly on Pak – Algeria relations and said,” Both countries enjoy historical friendship and brotherhood. They support each other on all forums. Pakistan was among first countries that recognized Algeria as independent state. Both countries raise voice for human rights, peace and stability in the world.”

Ms Shaza Fatima expressed gratitude from Pakistani side for the principle stand of Algeria on Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

While touching the trade and economic cooperation side, She pleasantly shared that sports good & surgical instruments are exported to Algeria from her city Sialkot. She mentioned rice and textile as the other major exports to Algeria.

The minister , however, emphasized that still both countries have great scope to explore more avenues to tap the huge potential existed in multiple sectors between the two states but untapped so far.

Ms Shaza Fatima cited Digitization as a major sector to work upon by both sides. She said, ” Pakistan has moved forward in digitization while Algeria is transforming to E-Governance. The two states can forge a strong partnership in IT and Telecom. Pakistan has more than 50 million youth most of who are IT practitioners that can deliver the services to Algeria.”

Minister highlighted the strength and importance of Algerian-Pakistani relations and the many fruitful partnership opportunities between the two brotherly countries.

The host Ambassador, H.E Brahim ROMANI, in his speech, shared the information about the day and mentioned the exemplary contributions of the people and freedom fighters in the war for independence who sacrificed 1.5 million lives to see the sun of their sovereignty in their own state.

Mr. ROMANI expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for first extending support to the struggle for self determination of Algeria and then recognition of the newly liberated state at the earliest phase.

He noted ,” Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize our statehood. Pakistan opened our representative office in Karachi in 1958. Both countries have long history of cooperation and working shoulder by shoulder at regional as well as international fora on especially the rights of oppressed people like Gaza, Palestine.”

Algeria is non permanent member of UN Security Council for 2024-25 and Pakistan will assume the membership for 2025-2026. Ambassador welcoming Pakistan at UNSC said, ” One year 2025 together will further strengthen our bilateral collaboration.”

Pakistan in the World – Sep / Oct 2024

On B2B , the Ambassador noted the visit of 200 Pakistani businessmen to Algeria and participation of 30 Pakistani companies in first economic forum in Algeria. He termed these visits as encouraging indicators for the bright future of mutual cooperation.

Ambassador briefed the guests about extraordinary strategic location of his country. He said, ” Algeria is the gateway to two continents , Africa with Algeria’s common borders with 5 countries and having connectivity infrastructure, and Europe across the Mediterranean. Algeria also opens window towards Arabian region from North Africa to the Middle East.”

“ Algeria is the third largest economy in Africa with notable human development and rich mineral resources, one of the largest oil exporting countries. Our GDP and per capita income is improving. Algeria is working on 4500 development projects. 9400 projects of investment registered in Algerian agency for promotion of investment. The policies introduced by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune introduced new investment law and tax exemptions that has created highly conducive environment for foreign investors, Ambassador continued.

Ambassador while commenting on peace diplomacy and support for freedom movements in the world stressed that Western Sahara is the last colony in African continent that deserves independence. Western Sahara is occupied by Kingdom of Morocco.

The reception was attended by a large number of gov, military officials, parliamentarian, heads of international organizations, diplomatic community,leaders of chambers of commerce , civil society and media persons.

Prominent among them were former senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Country Director the World Bank, Dean of diplomatic corp H.E Atadjan Movlamov,Dean of Arab countries H.E Mohamed Ebrahim Mohamed Abdulqader, Ambassadors of France,Saudi Arabia, Jordon,Oman,Iraq,Syria,Palestine, Iran, Australia,Malaysia,Russia,Belarus, Azerbaijan, Brazil,European Union,Portugal,DHM Indonesia,Romania, and many others from the world.

History of the National Day

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria celebrates national day on 01 Nov to pay homage to 1.5 million martyrs of the war of independence and to reaffirm the national determination to protect and strengthen the sovereignty and independence of the homeland.

The night of November 1, 1954 was a turning point in this regard when the first bullets were fired and a fierce war began that lasted 7 and half years. Great epics were made, despite the lack of equipment, numbers and weakness of armament.

Eventually, protracted negotiations led to a cease-fire signed by France and the Freedom Fighters on March 19, 1962, at Evian, France that paved the way to form interim administrative arrangements until a referendum on self-determination on 19 March 1962 a day that is celebrated as Day of Victory.

Algeria had opted for independence in a referendum on July 1, 1962. French President Charles De Gaulle pronounced Algeria an independent country. Algeria celebrates 5 July 1962 as Independence Day.