Islamabad (TDI): As the fast-paced International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) entered its second day, the young and curious participants arrived at the Embassy of Zimbabwe to interact with Ambassador Titus M.J. Abu-Basutu.
As the IYDS participants settled in, the ambassador welcomed them with an introductory video of the natural wonders of Zimbabwe. He keenly gave a primer on the country’s geography using a map.
Zimbabwe is a land-locked country, but full of renowned tourist destinations. Home to the mighty Niagra falls, Zimbabwe hosts annual exhibitions to boost business and economic relations; including International Trade Fair, mining expo, a tourism and travel expo, and an agricultural show.
Before touching the relations between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, the ambassador discussed Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine in detail. Speaking of Zimbabwe-Pakistan relations, the envoy highlighted that Pakistan’s defense officials, including of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), travel to deliver lectures at National Defense University of Zimbabwe.
As the young participants sipped tea, the ambassador spotlighted the tea brand they had on their tables; the home-grown Zimbabwean Tanganda. He also added that universities in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Islamabad host many students from Zimbabwe. These facts, he noted, were a testament to people-to-people ties between the two countries.
By the end of the session, the participants were very keen to visit the country soon in the future.
The visit was part of the seventh edition of the IYDS, which is a flagship initiative of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS). This unique public diplomacy initiative aims to bring together diplomatic missions and mid-career professionals to generate interest and opportunities.
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