Pretoria - There is much that South Africa and Pakistan can learn from each other's experiences as the two countries have a great deal in common, says Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ebrahim Ebrahim.
"We are both emerging economies and both our Governments face challenges to address inequality and alleviate poverty," Ebrahim said during his working visit in Pakistan, where he was addressing Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Khan.
Commenting on the relations between South Africa and Pakistan, Ebrahim said he was satisfied that the two countries had a formal instrument through which they may articulate their views and concerns that they could use to deepen and expand their relations.
"We are looking forward to formalise the dates for the next Joint Commission that, unfortunately, we have had to postpone until 2013."
He noted that the world has increasingly become a global village in which the family of nations was closer than at any other period in history and no longer could they remain ignorant about a major development or catastrophe in some remote part of the world.
"We must take note of all developments because everything has an impact on each of our lives. There are many signs of a world under stress and we must use every possible opportunity to talk to each other, to keep on exploring for new avenues to follow in our joint desires to make our world a better place for all," Ebrahim said.
He also sent his best wishes to Pakistan on important elections that the country is planning for 2013, adding that "in the difficult times that economies are facing all over the world, it seems clear that what is needed to ensure stability and prowess in the new global world order, is renewed emphasis on leadership and vision". - SAnews.gov.za
