Islamabad: Pakistan and Djibouti have signed a memorandum of understanding to start bilateral political consultations, a major step towards strengthening their partnership.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the MoU was signed by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa Division) Hamid Asghar Khan and by Djibouti’s Permanent Secretary General (Foreign Secretary) Mahmood Ali Hassan.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and termed the MoU as a historic step towards establishing a comprehensive and sustainable partnership. They emphasized trade and investment as key areas of focus for future cooperation.
The talks covered various topics including political, economic, defense and security issues. Both countries agreed to deepen their bilateral relations through enhanced engagement at all levels.
Discussions also covered regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a special focus on developments in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Djibouti have been steadily strengthening since Pakistan opened its resident mission in Djibouti in May 2022.
The next session of bilateral political consultation is scheduled to be held in Islamabad in early 2025. Additionally, a visit by Djibouti’s foreign minister and the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) are planned for the first half of 2025.
