Pakistan's 'Look Africa' policy a welcome step: Tunisian envoy.

ISLAMABAD: Dean of the African group and Ambassador of Tunisia Adel Elarbi on Sunday said that the Pakistani authorities were doing their best through 'Look Africa' policy, but "as we know, governments are just facilitators, and the private sector should play its role and take more initiatives and tangible steps to boost trade relations between their country and Africa".

While talking to DNA, the ambassador said relations between Africa and Pakistan were rooted in strong historical basis. "Africa is the continent of the future and Pakistani businessmen are invited to invest there," he said, adding that African states had sought for closer economic, social and cultural cooperation with Pakistan for the common good.

"These relations are tied on [the bases of] mutual respect, solidarity and good political will. In many areas, Pakistan and Africa face the same challenges; meaning that we need more cooperation and interaction."

He said historically, Pakistan played a crucial role in the independence process of many African countries. Moreover, Pakistan sent its doctors and experts to help build institutions and infrastructures in the newly independent African states, he said.

Furthermore, he said the Pakistan Army was present in UN peacekeeping forces in Africa. "These historical achievements of Pakistan in Africa could be more exploited and converted into real partnerships and cooperation between Pakistan and the continent."

The ambassador said that this year, they celebrated the 56th Anniversary of the Africa Day and "we wanted it as a festival to show the unity, the colours and the diversity of the African continent".

"All the participants...