Ambassador Fadel Yacoub with local and African dignitaries cut a cake on Egyptian National Day in Islamabad.
Egyptian Ambassador Fadel Yacoub welcomed guests to a large reception to mark Egypt’s 66th National Day on July 23.
The chief minister on the occasion was interim Commerce and Textiles Minister Mian Misbahur Rehman, but the reception was also attended by three other federal ministers.
In a comprehensive speech, the new Egyptian envoy to Pakistan highlighted Egypt’s historical significance, mentioning that more than a thousand years ago students came from far and near came to al-Azhar al-Sharif to attend what was seen as a university.
He also recalled the Mohammad Ali Jinnah visited Egypt in 1946, adding that Egypt and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1948 and exchanged envoys in early 1949.
Allama Iqbal also visited Cairo many times in the 1930s, he said, and his poems were translated to Arabic. The famous Egyptian singer Om Kolthoum sang translated verses from hisShikwaandJawab-i-Shikwain her songHadith ar-rouh.
In March, the grand mufti of Egypt visited Pakistan and met with religious leaders, including the president and the prime minister.
Ambassador Yacoub and the chief guest said trade between the countries should be increased.
“Bilateral trade does not exceed $200 million a year, which does not reflect the potential of both countries,” the ambassador said.
He said: “Therefore, Egypt welcomes the new ‘Look Africa’ outlined by Pakistan, and we commend the Ministry of Commerce to reopen the commercial office in the Pakistani embassy in Cairo. We are confident that the two business communities will find a lot of mutual opportunities.”
He also noted the importance of the ongoing cultural and educational cooperation between the countries, including scholarships in various fields.
K-pop music, dance competition held