Global Diplomacy Lens

The magazine in Pakistan offering unique insights on cultural, security, and economic news from a diplomatic perspective

[Global Diplomacy Lens @GDiplomacyLens]

Our economic cooperation with Pakistan is growing, and we are aiming to reach a $1 billion trade goal soon : Exclusive Interview of #Kazakhstan Ambassador to #Pakistan H.E Yerzhan Kistafin by @asifkhurshid
& @ZamanBajwaa
@KazEmbassyPK
@Kazakhstan
@MFA_KZ
https://t.co/tEGgbFJDk9

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ETHIOPIA–PAKISTAN PARLIAMENTARY TIES SET FOR NEW IMPETUS
Islamabad and Addis Ababa agree to strengthen parliamentary engagement and expand cooperation across key sectors

Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to forge stronger parliamentary links as both countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, aviation, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, H.E. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the steady growth in Pakistan–Ethiopia relations, explored new avenues for collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral ties to a higher level through enhanced diplomatic and parliamentary engagement.

Ambassador Dr. Oumer highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries, emphasizing their shared history, values, and cultural affinities. He underscored Ethiopia’s strategic importance as the headquarters of the African Union and a gateway to the African continent, noting that stronger engagement with Addis Ababa could help Pakistan expand its economic and diplomatic footprint across Africa.

The Ethiopian envoy also stressed the importance of broadening cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and cultural diplomacy, areas that continue to gain momentum in relations between the two countries.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani appreciated Ethiopia’s rapid economic transformation, development achievements, and ongoing domestic reforms. He emphasized that cultural exchanges and religious tourism should serve as important pillars for strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering greater mutual understanding between the two nations.

Highlighting Pakistan’s agricultural strengths, Gilani called for enhanced collaboration in agriculture, including the exchange of technical expertise, innovation, and best practices to support sustainable development and shared prosperity across the Global South.

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish parliamentary friendship groups and facilitate exchanges of parliamentary delegations. Both sides viewed stronger institutional engagement between lawmakers as an effective mechanism for advancing bilateral cooperation and supporting broader diplomatic objectives.

The meeting reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan–Ethiopia relations as both countries seek to unlock new opportunities for economic partnership, parliamentary diplomacy, and South-South cooperation.
@ETEmbassyISB
@JemalBeker1
@PakinEthiopia
#Pakistan #Ethiopia #Diplomacy #Parliament #Africa

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ETHIOPIA–PAKISTAN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY TALKS

Islamabad seeks deeper cultural and tourism cooperation with Addis Ababa

Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism, aiming to expand people-to-people linkages between the two countries.

The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, H.E. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.

According to official discussions, both sides explored new avenues of collaboration, including exchange of cultural delegations, institutional linkages, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding and heritage diplomacy.

The Ethiopian Ambassador highlighted the long-standing historical relations and shared values between Ethiopia and Pakistan, emphasizing the role of Ethiopian Airlines in improving connectivity—not only between the two nations but also as a bridge between Pakistan and the African continent.

He also briefed the minister on Ethiopia’s rich cultural identity, including its unique calendar system, traditional festivals, and diverse ethnic and linguistic heritage, describing it as a foundation for deeper cultural engagement.

A key proposal during the meeting was the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the cultural ministries of both countries to institutionalize cooperation in culture and tourism promotion.

Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed the proposal and assured Pakistan’s full support for expanding cultural diplomacy with Ethiopia. He reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations through enhanced cultural and people-centric initiatives.

Both sides expressed optimism that increased engagement in cultural and tourism sectors would open new avenues for cooperation, further strengthening Pakistan–Ethiopia relations in the years ahead.
@EthiopianNewsA
@JemalBeker1
@ETEmbassyISB
#Pakistan #Ethiopia #CulturalDiplomacy #Tourism #Islamabad

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BREAKING: Pakistan moves to deepen strategic engagement with Iran as Islamabad’s Ambassador-designate to Tehran, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, meets Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 ahead of his diplomatic posting.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Senator Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran across trade, regional connectivity, border coordination, people-to-people exchanges, and broader regional diplomacy.
The meeting underscored the historical, cultural and fraternal ties between the two neighboring states at a time when regional security, economic integration, and cross-border connectivity are increasingly shaping South and West Asian diplomacy.

Officials said the discussions also focused on sustaining positive diplomatic momentum through “close coordination and mutual understanding,” reflecting Islamabad’s efforts to maintain balanced regional engagement amid shifting geopolitical alignments in the Middle East and South Asia.

Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized its support for regional dialogue, de-escalation, and economic cooperation, particularly as tensions continue to affect the wider Gulf and West Asian region. Tehran remains strategically important for Islamabad in areas including energy cooperation, border management, trade corridors, and regional stability.
DPM/FM Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role” in promoting peace and stability across the region and expressed confidence that Ambassador-designate Siddiqui would contribute toward further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The diplomatic outreach comes as regional powers increasingly prioritize connectivity initiatives, economic diplomacy, and strategic coordination through multilateral and regional frameworks, including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and broader Eurasian integration projects.
Pakistan and Iran share a nearly 900-kilometer border and maintain cooperation on security, trade, and regional affairs despite periodic geopolitical challenges and sanctions-related constraints affecting Tehran’s global economic engagement.
The development is being viewed by regional observers as part of Islamabad’s broader diplomatic balancing strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with neighboring states while advancing economic and geopolitical stability in the wider region.
#Pakistan #Iran #IshaqDar #Diplomacy #Geopolitics

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Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Al-Malkiy meets Deputy PM Ishaq Dar amid evolving regional developments

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy ( @AmbassadorNawaf ), called on Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on Monday.
According to officials, discussions focused on the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and regional spheres.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on recent regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
Senator Ishaq Dar reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with Riyadh, while the Saudi envoy appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The engagement comes amid heightened diplomatic activity in the region and continued coordination between the two countries on regional and international matters.
@KSAembassyPK
#Pakistan #SaudiArabia #IshaqDar #Diplomacy #MiddleEast

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PAKISTAN CONDEMNS DRONE ATTACK ON UAE NUCLEAR FACILITY
PM Shehbaz Sharif expresses solidarity with UAE leadership after reported strike on Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
Pakistan has strongly condemned the reported drone attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan stands in “full solidarity” with the leadership and people of the UAE amid rising regional tensions.

The Pakistani premier urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and fulfil obligations under international law, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward regional peace, stability and de-escalation.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is considered a critical component of the UAE’s energy infrastructure and a symbol of the country’s civilian nuclear ambitions.
@CMShehbaz @MohamedBinZayed
@PakPMO
#Pakistan #UAE #MiddleEast #Barakah #Diplomacy

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𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗥 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳’𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Inter-Services Public Relations says the recent statement of Indian Chief of Army Staff reflects that the Indian leadership has neither been able to reconcile with the very idea of Pakistan nor it has learnt the right lessons, even after passage of eight decades.
In a statement while responding to the Indian Chief of Army Staff's statement during an interview, ISPR said India's hubristic, jingoistic and myopic mindset has repeatedly pushed South Asia towards wars and crises.
The ISPR said threatening a sovereign nuclear neighbour with elimination from "geography" is not strategic signalling or brinkmanship; it is sheer bankruptcy of cognitive capacities, madness and warmongering despite knowing the reality that such geographic obliteration would certainly be mutual and comprehensive.
The statement further said responsible nuclear states reflect restraint, maturity and strategic sobriety. They do not speak the language of civilisational supremacy or national erasure.
The ISPR said contrary to the delusional and hallucinational belief system and despite the omnipresent ill wishes that prevail in Hindutva-led India, Pakistan is already a country of consequence at global level, a declared nuclear power and an indelible part of South Asia's geography and history.
The ISPR further said Indian narrative conveniently ignores India's own historically documented record of being a harbinger of terrorism in the region, a state sponsor of terrorism, key source of regional instability, practitioner of transnational assassinations and a hotbed of disinformation campaign across the globe.
It said Delhi's aggressive posturing stems less from confidence and more from frustration at its inability to harm Pakistan that has been brutally exposed during Marka-e-Haq. Indian leadership would be well advised not to attempt to push South Asia towards another crisis or war whose consequences would only be devastating for the complete region and beyond.
The ISPR said India needs to reconcile with Pakistan's salience and learn to peacefully co-exist with it. Otherwise, any attempt to target Pakistan can trigger consequences that shall neither be geographically confined nor strategically or politically palatable for India.

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Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev Meets Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Baku
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz ) received a delegation led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif ), Chief Minister of the #Punjab. Maryam Nawaz Sharif conveyed the greetings of her father, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif ( @NawazSharifMNS ), &the PM of the Islamic Republic of #Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz ), to the head of state.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her delegation received a warm welcome upon arriving in Baku yesterday. Deputy Minister of Defense Industry Mahman Bakiksu welcomed the delegation at the airport.
Khazar Faradov (@k_farhadov) , along with his spouse, and Qasim Mohiuddin and his spouse were also present to receive the delegation.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif will remain a special state guest of the Azerbaijani government during her three-day official visit.
Minister Maryam Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A ), Information Minister Azma Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN ), Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kermani, and Special Assistant Ali Dar (@alimdar82 ) are also part of the delegation
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked to convey his greetings to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The head of state recalled the friendly relations between the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Expressing his pleasure at participating in WUF13, the guest expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for this, emphasizing that the event was organized at a high level and that global issues related to urban planning would be discussed in Baku. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who said that she was fascinated by the beauty of Baku, noted that our capital is a wonderful example of the unity of culture and modern urban planning. The guest said that during his visit to Baku, he visited the grave of the founder of modern Azerbaijan, Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, and commemorated his memory with respect and honor. During the conversation, satisfaction was expressed with the development of fraternal relations and strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, issues of cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, defense and other fields were discussed, the development of interregional cooperation was emphasized, and great prospects for further expansion of trade relations were reported. It was noted that centers have also been established in Pakistan based on the experience of Azerbaijan's "ASAN service". The Head of State today noted that Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations are also developing in the trilateral format - #Azerbaijan-#Turkey-#Pakistan.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin
@KremlinRussia_E will pay an official visit to China on May 19-20 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Kremlin announced.
During the visit, President Putin is also scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The Kremlin said the talks between Putin and Xi will focus on key issues of bilateral relations, including expanding the comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation between Russia and China.
The two leaders are expected to sign a joint statement and several bilateral agreements following their discussions. Putin and Xi will also participate in the opening ceremony of the “Years of Education of Russia and China,” aimed at strengthening educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
@RusEmbPakistan @Rusembchina

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Pakistan’s Interior Minister @MohsinnaqviC42 arrived in #Tehran on an unannounced visit, where he is expected to hold meetings with senior Iranian officials, according to the Iranian News Agency IRNA (@IrnaEnglish) Diplomatic sources cited by IRNA said the visit includes discussions with key Iranian authorities on matters of mutual interest between #Pakistan and Iran.
Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi had accompanied Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir during his three-day visit to Tehran on April 16 this year, reflecting ongoing high-level engagements between the two neighboring countries.
@IraninIslamabad
@PakinIran @MOIofficialGoP

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi @araghchi said at a press conference held in New Delhi, #India, on Friday that “Pakistan’s mediation process has not failed yet, but it is on a very difficult path, mainly due to #US behavior.” Regarding China’s role, he said, Iran appreciates any country, especially #China, which in the past tried to restore relations between #Iran and #SaudiArabia. They are partners in establishing relations between countries, and China has good intentions. Therefore, any action taken by them to help diplomacy will be welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” IRNA News Agency @IrnaEnglish reported.
@IraninIslamabad

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The Higher Education Commission Pakistan @hecpkofficial has organized the #Pakistan Higher Education Expo in Rajshahi, #Bangladesh, under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative, aiming to strengthen academic ties and promote scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students. The event follows successful exhibitions held earlier in #Dhaka and Barishal.
Around 20 leading Pakistani universities participated in the expo, highlighting 500 fully funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Bangladeshi youth. The orientation session, hosted at the University of Rajshahi, attracted a large number of students, parents, and visitors.
Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of academic collaboration, research exchange, and stronger bilateral relations. Pakistani representatives also informed students about the second phase of scholarships and encouraged applications across various disciplines.
So far, 74 Bangladeshi students have already begun their studies in Pakistan under the programme, marking a key step in expanding educational cooperation between the two countries. #EducationDiplomacy
@bdhcpk @PakinBangladesh

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Pakistan Repatriates 11 Nationals Alongside 20 Iranians Through Singapore: Ishaq Dar
Pakistan’s Deputy PM/FM on Friday announced the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals along with 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States in the high seas.
In a statement shared on social media, @MIshaqDar50 said all individuals were in good health and high spirits. He added that the group had travelled from Singapore to Bangkok and had already boarded a flight scheduled to arrive in Islamabad later tonight. The Iranian nationals would subsequently be facilitated for their return to Iran.
The foreign minister stated that the welfare and well-being of Pakistanis abroad, particularly those facing distress, remained the government’s highest priority.
Dar expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister @VivianBala, the Government of Singapore, and the Prime Minister of Singapore for their support and engagement throughout the process. He also thanked Iranian Foreign Minister @araghchi for trusting Pakistan with the repatriation of Iranian citizens.
He further acknowledged the cooperation of the
#UnitedStates government and @SecRubio for close coordination in facilitating the smooth return of the #Pakistani and Iranian nationals. Dar also thanked the Government of Thailand and for facilitating the transit of the individuals through #Bangkok.
The deputy prime minister also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, @ForeignOfficePk
Ministry of Interior @MOIofficialGoP
, & Pakistan’s missions in #Singapore , #Thailand for ensuring the safe and successful completion of the repatriation process.
@usembislamabad @IranAmbPak @IraninIslamabad

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Deputy PM/FM @MIshaqDar50 chaired a meeting to review preparations for the 75th anniversary of #Pakistan–#China diplomatic relations, to be commemorated in Beijing on 25 May. He was also briefed on a Pakistan–China B2B Investment Conference scheduled for 24 May, aimed at strengthening business ties and promoting investment cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.
He directed officials to ensure well-planned events marking this historic milestone and to highlight the Pakistan–China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership based on mutual trust, respect, and shared development goals. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, @TararAttaullah
, the Pakistani Ambassador to China, and officials from relevant ministries and institutions.

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PM @CMShehbaz strongly condemns the missile & drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the #UAE.In his message on X,he wrote,We express full solidarity with His Highness @MohamedBinZayed & stand firmly with our Emirati brothers & sisters.
@uaeembassyisb

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Passport services at all Pakistani diplomatic missions worldwide have been temporarily suspended.
Embassies have informed Pakistani nationals residing abroad about the disruption.
Passport services at overseas missions will remain suspended until further notice (Sources)