Islamabad (TDI): As part of the three-day International Young Diplomats School (IYDS), the participants visited the embassy of Egypt in Islamabad for an interactive session with Ambassador Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid.
This visit marked the formal beginning of the 7th edition of the school organized by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), to support public diplomacy outreach of the foreign diplomatic missions based in Pakistan and give mid-career professionals a direct exposure to the world of diplomacy.
For a day packed with visits to multiple embassies, the cohort received a warm welcome at the Egyptian embassy. In a direct interaction with the ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid, participants were able to gather a dynamic perspective on Pakistan-Egypt relations.
The ambassador gave a welcome speech in which he stressed that an embassy is more than a building or an office; it is a bridge between two countries. He added that diplomacy is about trust and dialogue, and anyone who holds these values naturally becomes an ambassador.
After his address, the participants engaged in an interactive and engaging conversation with the ambassador. In answering a participant’s question, the ambassador urged people from Pakistan to visit the New Egyptian Museum, which is the biggest museum of Egyptian civilization.
The ambassador told the participants that the museum is nearby the famous Pyramids of Egypt and offers a wholesome experience for anyone visiting.
Talking about trade potential and more people-to-people connection, the ambassador expressed his keen desire and aspiration to have direct flights launched between Pakistan and Egypt. Pakistan and Egypt enjoy deep-rooted historical, cultural, and business ties that need to be deepened and expanded through increased public engagement.
IYDS offers a unique model of public diplomacy, equipping emerging leaders with practical insights and networks that extend beyond traditional classroom and workplace settings.
The participants of IYDS learn from interactive sessions with career diplomats, foreign ambassadors, country representatives of the United Nations and its various member agencies; during visits that are curated to impart a sound understanding of how diplomacy works.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
