KARACHI: Fifty-seven years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Somalia were celebrated at a reception here on Thursday where Mrs Khadia Mohamed Almakhzoumi, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Pakistan, officially launched the African country’s new honorary consulate in Karachi.

Attended by diplomats and the business community, the reception highlighted how far Somalia has come on the path of progress, and its willingness to open new avenues of investment and bilateral trade.

Amb Almakhzoumi expressed her honour and privilege at being appointed to the position from where she can herald Somalia into more fruitful cooperation with Pakistan.

“The two countries have evolving and fruitful relations. However, at the same time we acknowledge that the full potential of relations between Pakistan and Somalia has not been fully exploited due to the several wars in Somalia.” A civil war has for more than two

decades ravaged Somali, and its civilians have suffered under the enormity of this warfare.

According to latest figures released by the UN, “A massive increase in humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to avert a famine, with humanitarian agencies estimating that 6.2 million drought-affected Somalis are in need of assistance, including food, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, protection and shelter.”

Amb Almakhzoumi also highlighted that the reception was a kind of an opening ceremony for the new honorary consulate of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Karachi.

She congratulated Mr Saif-ur-Rehman, the newly appointed honorary consul general of Somalia, for being at the helm of creating better business relations between the two countries.

Mr Rehman said that “diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Somalia have always remained brotherly and I am confident relations between the two countries will strengthen day by day.”

Senior Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro also welcomed the ambassador on behalf of the Sindh government. “The new consulate in Karachi will further strengthen relations between Somalia and Pakistan. Pakistan has pledged to be with you and extend all possible support in times of trouble and times of happiness.”

A short video was also aired that highlighted the various facets of Somalia, and explored the economic potential of the East African country.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2017