Story by Abigirl Tembo
ZIMBABWE and Pakistan have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic ties, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation across key sectors including defence, health, trade, and education.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Murad Baseer, is wrapping up his three-year diplomatic mission in Harare, a tenure marked by the revival and strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Minister of Defence, Ambassador Baseer expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his tour of duty.
“I had the honour to meet the Honourable Defence Minister and it was a meeting that considered all aspects of our bilateral relations. I am very pleased with the progress made over the last three years in reviving these ties. Pakistan and Zimbabwe have enjoyed a strong friendship since Zimbabwe’s independence. Our embassy was opened in Harare on 6 November 1980, barely six months after independence, which reflects our enduring commitment,” he said.
Ambassador Baseer highlighted Pakistan’s historical role in Zimbabwe’s defence development, particularly in the establishment and training of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
“Pakistan has contributed significantly not just in the military domain, but also in health, trade, and cultural exchange. Our doctors have served in Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system, and we played a pivotal role in developing the Air Force of Zimbabwe. We now have embassies in both capitals, which is a significant step. I am proud of the progress made and confident my successor will build on this strong foundation,” he added.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Muchinguri-Kashiri, paid tribute to Ambassador Baseer for his dedication to strengthening relations between the two nations.
“It is indeed sad to see him leave, but his tour of duty has been marked by visible achievements. We have witnessed Zimbabwe opening an embassy in Pakistan and progress toward formalising a Memorandum of Understanding, which reflects our mutual desire to strengthen relations. Pakistan has played a crucial role in training over 400 of our pilots, who now serve not only in the Air Force of Zimbabwe but also in regional and international airlines,” she said.
She also commended Pakistan’s broader contribution to Zimbabwe’s development, including the training of medical professionals and the awarding of educational scholarships since 1980.
“Our officers have also benefited from academic exposure at the Zimbabwe National Defence University. When the President speaks of modernisation and mechanisation, Pakistan remains a key partner. We share similar views at international fora and continue to support each other diplomatically. Ambassador Baseer’s personal and professional experience of Zimbabwe positions him well to be our ambassador even after his return,” Honourable Muchinguri-Kashiri added.
Although a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries is still under discussion, both sides have expressed a clear intent to deepen cooperation in defence, education, trade, and people-to-people exchange.
