Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):At the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt; Brigadier Mohamed Saad and Colonel Mahmoud Hassan of the Egyptian Defense Attaché Office; Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistani Embassy in Egypt; Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI and Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa were also present.
Director Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa, Ms. Amina Khan, in her introductory remarks, said that the signing of the MoU is a reflection of the warmth of both sides and the desire to expand the scope of mutual dialogue. He hoped that this MoU would help to further promote the relations between Pakistan and Egypt, through such institutional linkages, cooperation between the two sides for mutual research and discussion on issues of mutual interest will be promoted.
Welcoming the conclusion of the MoU, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Sohail Mehmood said that ISSI values its relationship with Nasir Higher Military Academy. The two institutions had interacted in the past and this MoU formalized the institutional linkages between the two parties and laid the framework for building a mutual partnership in the future.
He added that the relations between Pakistan and Egypt are strongly bound by history, common faith and a common approach on regional and international issues. It was also in line with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative. He added that Pakistan attaches great importance to its partnership with Egypt, which has historically played an important role in the region. Ambassador Sohail also referred to the historic agreement to establish ‘loss and loss’ funds at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh where Egypt’s role and support as host was invaluable.
Major General Tariq Mohammad Hilal, director of the Strategic Studies Center in the Armed Forces of Egypt, said that Pakistan and Egypt are very important countries in the region and friendly relations between these countries are of great importance.
The two countries have a long history of solidarity. He said that the entire team of Nasir Higher Academy is looking forward to a fruitful partnership with ISSI and this mutual cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. This MoU reflects the willingness of both sides to work together to meet the challenges faced by both countries.
The Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, believed that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries and have a lot of potential that needs to be explored. The Egyptian Embassy has crossed important milestones to enhance relations and create new links between researchers from both Pakistan and Egypt. He said that this MoU is a reflection of the untapped potential of research-based cooperation between the two countries.
Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt, appreciated the work of ISSI and said that this MoU with Nasir Higher Academy will bring both Pakistan and Egypt together through academic links in areas of mutual interest. It will be helpful to bring it closer. He highlighted various aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Egypt and hoped that this MoU would lay a solid foundation for future cooperation.
Chairman of Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt, and Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed said that the MoU will help to create diverse linkages and cooperation between the two institutions and facilitate regional and international cooperation. This will enable both parties to achieve better interaction and fruitful cooperation. Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood expressed his views on Pakistan-Egypt relations in historical and contemporary context and added that the think tank dialogue between ISSI and Strategic Studies Center, will enhance Pakistan-Egypt relations.
For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
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