“Enhancing an already strong relationship”
H.E. Mrs. Ayesha Ali, Ambassador of Pakistan
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with a large middle class. We also have one of the best foreign direct investment regimes in the world, and collaboration possibilities are immense,” says H.E. Mrs. Ayesha Ali, Ambassador of Pakistan. “Next year we celebrate 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to working with my Czech counterparts to further enhance our robust bilateral relationship.”
Can you tell us about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity. I am a Pakistani diplomat. It’s been over five months now since I arrived here to take up my responsibilities as the Ambassador. The Czech Republic is a wonderfully dynamic country, and I look forward to working with my Czech counterparts to further enhance our robust bilateral relationship.
Which countries did you serve in before your current assignment?
Before coming to the Czech Republic, I had the honour of serving my country in several capitals of the world including Tokyo, Washington, D.C. and New Delhi. In my last assignment I served as Consul General in New York.
You have been in Prague for only about five months. What is on the top of your to do list?
The Czech Republic is a very important country for Pakistan. It is the heart of Central Europe, and is important both bilaterally and as a member of the European Union. Pakistan has had a longstanding cooperative partnership with the Czech Republic, which has expanded over the decades to all segments of the bilateral relationship, including political, trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people interaction. It is a country with a rich history, and dynamic people and economy. I look forward to building on the strong relationship between our two countries in all these areas.
The wild beauty of Pakistan may be very tempting for Czech tourists. Do you work on promoting your country here as a holiday destination?
Yes, Pakistan is a country of varied landscapes, which also makes it a very attractive destination for tourism and adventure sports. The Embassy works with several local partners to promote Pakistan’s rich culture, tourism, and culinary and sports heritage. We engage with several tourism / cultural and other organizations in the diplomatic community and beyond, and are focused on increasing people-to-people interaction through visits, exhibitions etc. Our special focus is on the young people of the Czech Republic – in this context we intend to reach out to universities, schools, and colleges to inform them about Pakistan, and encourage them to visit. We have some of the highest peaks in the world, and it is an area of special interest for Czech mountaineers. We look forward to increasing tourism collaboration between the two countries.
What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?
Being a Representative / Ambassador of a country is a big responsibility. All Ambassadors endeavour to maintain the best possible relationships with the country of their accreditation, keeping the ties strong and enhancing them through their endeavours.
“I look forward to working with my Czech counterparts.”
What is the best adventure you have ever had thanks to your diplomatic career?
It is always challenging, in a positive way, to live and work in a country other than your own. The diplomatic life offers you several such opportunities, which go a long way towards personal and institutional capacity building. The Czech Republic, with its unique language and history, offers several such opportunities, and I am excited to be here.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to read books and work out. I am increasingly focused on my health goals, and on promoting a healthy lifestyle in Pakistan.
The Czech-Pakistani Chamber of Commerce was created and registered in May 2020, pursuant to the consistent economic outreach by the Embassy of Pakistan. What can Pakistan offer to Czech businesses and industries?
Pakistan and the Czech Republic have a strong economic and trade relationship that continues to grow. Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with a large middle class. Pakistan also has one of the best foreign direct investment regimes in the world, and offers opportunities for investment in all possible sectors, including automotive, machines & tools, mining, agriculture, and IT & energy (to name a few). As these are also strong-performing sectors of the Czech economy, collaboration possibilities are immense. We welcome Czech investment, and want to expand our bilateral trade ties beyond the traditional and into new areas for mutual benefit. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) of Pakistan, in this context, is very important, and we have been sensitizing our Czech counterparts regarding opportunities offered by the SIFC.
To conclude, how do you see the state of relations between our two countries?
Pakistan is a diverse, dynamic, and resilient country, with strong institutions and a robust network of international partners. We are focused on building a strong economically dynamic future for our younger generation. We look forward to continuing to play our responsible and leading role in the community of nations as a reliable partner for all our friends, including the Czech Republic. Pakistan and the Czech Republic have a long history of cooperative partnership, spread over decades. Next year we celebrate 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Both sides are focused on enhancing bilateral ties in all areas of cooperation, to the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.