ISLAMABAD: Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has canceled his planned three-day official trip to Kenya, originally set to begin on September 4 (Monday).
The Foreign Office had scheduled Prime Minister Karar to visit Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 to 6. He was set to attend the Africa Climate Summit at the invitation of President William Samoei Ruto.
However, the prime minister canceled the visit after assessing the country’s situation and considering the pros and cons, as reported by the publication.
This would have marked Kakar‘s first foreign visit since assuming office as Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister. The visit would have been accompanied by Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, caretaker cabinet members, advisers, and special assistants.
Nonetheless, the prime minister intends to proceed with his planned trip to the United States to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 22 in New York. He will be the first Pakistani caretaker premier to address the UNGA.
Initially, the Kenya visit was reportedly linked to the previous government’s policy of enhancing bilateral relations with African nations.
Sources indicated that the meeting would have involved a review of Pakistan-Kenya relations, trade and investment opportunities, as well as cooperation.
Additionally, agreements and memorandums of understanding were expected to be signed during the caretaker prime minister’s visit to Nairobi.
Africa remains an untapped market for the Pakistani business community. Pakistan has formulated a “Look Africa Policy” to explore this extensive market for trade and exports.
