Zimbabwe and Pakistan have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as defence, education, health, and trade.
This pledge comes as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Murad Baseer, concludes his three-year diplomatic mission in Harare. In a farewell courtesy call to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Ambassador Baseer expressed satisfaction with the revitalisation of bilateral relations during his tenure.
“We have seen remarkable progress over the last three years. Our cooperation spans defence, healthcare, education, and trade,” he said. Notably, Pakistan played a historic role in the development of Zimbabwe’s Air Force and has continually contributed medical professionals to support Zimbabwe’s public health sector.
Hon. Muchinguri-Kashiri praised Ambassador Baseer for his dedication and impact, citing milestones such as the opening of Zimbabwe’s embassy in Islamabad and ongoing discussions around a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s training of over 400 Zimbabwean pilots, some of whom now serve in international airlines, and the continued awarding of educational scholarships and professional training for Zimbabwean defence and health personnel.
“Pakistan remains a valuable partner in our vision for national modernisation and economic growth,” she said, noting the countries’ shared positions on global issues and mutual support in international forums.
Although a formal MoU is still under negotiation, both Zimbabwe and Pakistan are aligned on the need to enhance people-to-people exchanges, academic collaboration, and strategic defence cooperation.
As Ambassador Baseer prepares to depart, Zimbabwean officials have hailed his tenure as a cornerstone in deepening bilateral relations leaving behind a strong foundation for his successor to build upon.
