Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to foster cooperation across various sectors.
The two countries also seek to boost the economies of both nations, with Pakistan having trained more than 400 Zimbabwean pilots.
The development follows a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Murad Baseer in Harare yesterday.
Ambassador Baseer bade farewell to Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri after a successful three-year stint.
Relations between the two countries stretch back to pre-independence when Pakistan trained Zimbabwean liberation fighters.
During his farewell meeting with the Minister, the outgoing Ambassador highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations over the past three years.
He expressed hope for continued strengthening of ties, emphasising that Zimbabwe remains a valued friend. The Pakistani Embassy was opened on November 6, 1980, shortly after Zimbabwe’s independence.
Ambassador Baseer also noted his satisfaction that President Mnangagwa has opened a Zimbabwean embassy in Pakistan to enhance trade and further solidify their relationship.
“I was here to bid farewell to the Minister. We discussed all aspects of bilateral relations. In the last three years, we made a lot of headways in terms of reviving our bilateral relations. That is something which we were working on.
“We will continue strengthening our ties and we have some amazing relations with Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is always our friend,” Ambassador Baseer said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the importance of adapting to technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, which she believes Zimbabwe can benefit from significantly.
“He (Ambassador) came to bid farewell after his successful tour of duty in Zimbabwe for the past three years. During that period, we have seen our relationship grow significantly, highlighted by Zimbabwe opening a new embassy in Pakistan. The two countries are also developing a Memorandum of Understanding, indicating a mutual desire to strengthen their cordial ties that date back to 1980,” she said.
The Minister said Government recognises that the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s achievements are closely linked to the special training they have received from the Pakistanis.
“Since 1980, over 400 pilots have been trained, many of whom now serve not only in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, but also in regional and international airlines.
“We appreciate the presence of their officers at our Zimbabwe National Defence University, who have made a remarkable impact. They are truly our big brothers and we have much to learn from their experiences,” she said.
During their meeting, various areas for enhancing bilateral relations were discussed.
Relations between the two countries stretch back to pre-independence when Pakistan trained Zimbabwean liberation fighters.
Post-independence, Pakistan also aided in training pilots for the newly formed Air Force of Zimbabwe, solidifying a bond that had endured changing political landscapes.
