Colorful African Day festival organized by the African countries represented in Pa
kistan, provided a real feast to people of Islamabad.
Visitors enjoyed traditional African delicacies. Cultural performances by African artists added color to African day festivities.
Dean of African Group and Ambassador of Tunisia Adel Elarbi on behalf of all African colleagues expressed heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Dr Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pa
kistan, for his congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of 56th African Day. This, he said, reflected a special attention given by Pa
kistan to Africa.
A large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the event. Federal Minister for Food Security Sahibzada Mahboob Sultan was the chief guest.
All African countries represented in Pa
kistan established their stalls. Embassy of Palestine also set up s
tall where various Palestinian delicacies were displayed.
All African countries set up stalls; visitors enjoyed traditional African delicacies; Dean of African Group Ambassador Adel Elarbi indebted to President Arif Alvi for support
The Federal Minister went to each and every s
tall wh
ere he was briefed about different items displayed at the respective stall. The Minister took keen interest in the festival and praised efforts of the African countries especially the Dean of the African Group for arranging such a marvellous show.
The Minister on the occasion assured that Pa
kistan would continue to have cordial relations with the African countries as the African con
tinent offered a lot of opportunities to Pa
kistani businessmen.
Ambassador Adel Elarbi said Africa is the con
tinent of future and Pa
kistani businessmen are invited to invest in Africa. The Pa
kistani government is doing its best through its “Look Africa” policy, but as we know governments are just facilitators and the private sector should take more initiatives to boost trade relations between their country and Africa.
Ambassador Adel said they were celebrating this evening the 56th Anniversary of the Africa day
and wanted it as a festival to show the colors and diversity of our dear con
tinent Africa.
Ambassador Adel said this year they were celebrating Africa day under the theme: “Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”.
This theme demonstrates the seriousness of the challenges that the con
tinent is facing and the urgent need to work together to ensure to all African citizens the inalienable right to live free, dignified in a prosper and peaceful environment.
He also thanked Aziz Boolani, CEO, of Serena Hotel, and through him all the staff, for their support, professionalism and flexibility. Moreover, we express our special thanks to the staff and students of Roots international schools for their artistic contribution.
Ambassador said there was a Palestinian stand among the African stands; this was our way to express our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers.
Egyptian ambassador Ahmed Fadel Yacoub also spoke on the occasion. He highlighted Egyptian efforts during the African Union chairmanship.