ISLAMABAD:Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan is pursuing Engage Africa policy to strengthen its relations with all the African countries. He was talking to the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who met him here at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan acknowledges Congo’s role for regional peace. The Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Congo commended the services of Pakistani troops deployed in the country under the auspices of the UN Peace Mission.

The Foreign Minister expressed pride in Pakistan’s steadfast and unmatched support and contribution to peacekeeping, peace building and peacemaking effort in DRC with 53,000 uniformed personnel under UN auspices from 2003.

They also discussed cooperation in the areas of defense and security. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the traditionally cooperative and cordial ties. Coordination of positions and mutual support for each other’s candidatures at multilateral fora was also flagged.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed the DRC Chief of Land Forces about Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy aimed at enhancing diplomatic footprint and intensifying exchanges and trade with Africa. He also underlined government’s emphasis on ‘geo-economics’. He conveyed greetings from President and Prime Minister to President of DRC Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

He praised the Congolese President’s contribution to promoting democracy and ably steering African Union as its Chairperson. Foreign Minister Qureshi also conveyed a cordial invitation to his counterpart Mr Cristophe Lutundula Apala to visit to Pakistan.

He offered further training opportunities for DRC diplomats at Foreign Service Academy (FSA) Islamabad. He urged the Congolese side to avail of Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Program facility for DRC youth in Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering.

According to a press release of the Foreign Affairs ministry, General Fall is on an unprecedented 6-Day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of his counterpart. General Felix’s visit has set a positive tone for further strengthening and deepening of bilateral ties.