ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP): On the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad, the President of the House of Councillors of Morocco, Ould Errachid, called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary, economic and cultural cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
Chairman Gilani warmly welcomed the Moroccan delegation, appreciating Morocco’s active participation in the conference and its valuable contribution to advancing inter-parliamentary diplomacy.
He noted that the conference’s theme, “Peace, Security, and Development,” reflects the shared aspirations of Pakistan and Morocco, grounded in historical ties, faith and friendship.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral collaboration, Chairman Gilani recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support for Morocco’s independence movement in 1952 and highlighted the enduring strength of their partnership.
He underscored the importance of building stronger Parliamentary Friendship Groups and committee-level linkages to sustain and deepen mutual cooperation.
The Chairman further emphasised the value Pakistan attaches to South-South Cooperation among developing countries, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and food security.
He commended Morocco’s successful hosting of the Third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, noting that such platforms elevate the global stature of parliamentary diplomacy.
He observed that the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) provides an inclusive and forward-looking platform to unite parliaments in pursuit of peace, justice and sustainable development.
Praising Morocco’s constructive role, Chairman Gilani said that its regional experience and African engagement enrich the dialogue, helping shape more productive outcomes.
Turning to bilateral trade, the Chairman highlighted that during the fiscal year 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Morocco stood at approximately USD 28 million, while imports reached USD 604 million, revealing a trade imbalance that presents opportunities for expansion.
He proposed the establishment of a Joint Business Council, the launch of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and the exchange of sectoral trade delegations in textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, leather and sports goods.
Chairman Gilani also encouraged collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, and mineral development, suggesting the exploration of banking channels and currency swap arrangements to facilitate smoother trade.
Referring to Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy” initiated in 2017, he underlined that Morocco’s strategic geographic position and active role in the African Union make it an essential gateway for Pakistan’s trade and investment in the continent.
He proposed joint ventures in agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and capacity-building programmes across African states.
Highlighting the potential for tourism and cultural cooperation, Chairman Gilani expressed Pakistan’s interest in learning from Morocco’s model of sustainable tourism.
He proposed cultural exchanges, joint tourism promotion campaigns, and student and youth exchange programmes, along with simplified visa processes to encourage closer people-to-people ties.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senate reaffirmed that Pakistan and Morocco share relations founded on mutual respect, shared values and Islamic brotherhood.
He expressed Pakistan’s readiness to broaden cooperation in trade, education, investment and culture, and voiced optimism that both nations—together with other Global South partners—will continue to promote peace, tolerance and coexistence on the world stage.