BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD –Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at Parliament House on Thursday to discuss coordination between parliamentary diplomacy and formal diplomatic channels to advance Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities and strengthen international partnerships.
Chairman Senate welcomed the Foreign Secretary and congratulated him on assuming his new responsibilities. He expressed confidence that his diplomatic experience would contribute to advancing Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives and safeguarding national interests.
Gilani emphasised the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation. He highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting political understanding and expanding international cooperation.
Referring to his recent bilateral visits and participation in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tanzania, Gilani said parliamentary engagements provide valuable opportunities to strengthen ties and discuss regional and international issues. He also highlighted his role as founding chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC).
The meeting underscored the importance of coordination between the Senate and the Foreign Office in strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and international partnerships.
Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad thanked the Senate Chairman for the warm welcome and acknowledged his contribution to projecting Pakistan’s image internationally through parliamentary diplomacy.
MNA Abdul Qadir Gilani, Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider and Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador to the ISC Misbah Khan also attended the meeting.
