ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The visiting Minister for Defence of the Republic of Nigeria Major General (retd) Bashir Salihi Magashi met Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Friday.
Underling common history, culture and values, Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the strong positive trajectory of bilateral relations.
Lauding Nigerian economy on assuming top position in Africa since March 2020, the prime minister called for further deepening of bilateral trade and business ties.
The prime minister appreciated growing bilateral cooperation in the defence, security and counter-terrorism fields.
Highlighting Pakistan’s long-standing services and contributions to promoting peace in Africa under the auspices of UN Peacekeeping Operations, the prime minister shared his vision of ‘Engage Africa’ policy which aims to expand diplomatic footprint and advance trade and investment partnerships with the Continent.
Imran Khan lauded the unanimous adoption of landmark resolution by the UN General Assembly on declaring March 15 as the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’
The prime minister said that this recognition by the UN General Assembly would help combating the contemporary challenges of racism, discrimination and violence against Muslims, and promoting interfaith harmony.
The prime minister recalled his earlier telephonic conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed the hope to welcome him to Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.
