ISLAMABAD, Oct 02 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Friday called for further strengthening Pakistan-Australia relations through enhanced parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, education, defence cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, at Parliament House, Islamabad. Chairman Gilani said Pakistan highly values its longstanding and cordial relations with Australia, underscoring the shared democratic values, Commonwealth traditions, bicameral parliamentary systems and strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
Gilani appreciated Australia’s contribution to Pakistan’s development, particularly in education and human resource development, and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani diaspora to Australia’s social and economic development.
The Chairman briefed the Australian High Commissioner on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), of which he is the Founding Chairman. He said the first ISC was held in Pakistan, the second in Cambodia, while the third conference is scheduled to be held in Indonesia in February 2027.
The two sides also exchanged views on the upcoming election for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and matters of mutual interest in the sphere of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Emphasizing the potential for greater economic cooperation, Chairman Gilani called for enhanced collaboration in agri-tech, renewable energy, fintech, minerals, textiles, IT services and food products, along with stronger linkages between the business communities and chambers of commerce of the two countries.
He also emphasized greater cooperation in higher education, scholarships, joint research, climate change, disaster management, cybersecurity, maritime security and peacekeeping. He underscored the importance of constructive diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane expressed Australia’s desire to further strengthen bilateral and parliamentary cooperation with Pakistan and appreciated Chairman Gilani’s efforts to promote closer relations between the two countries.
Ambassador to ISC and Advisor to Chairman Senate Ms. Misbah Khar was also present during the meeting.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
