Gilani, Bulgarian envoy discuss bilateral ties, parliamentary cooperation, regional developments

ISLAMABAD, Jul 01 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Irena Genadieva Gancheva, on Wednesday discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, parliamentary cooperation, and opportunities to enhance economic and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bulgaria.

During a meeting, Chairman Gilani congratulated Ambassador Gancheva on the successful completion of her diplomatic assignment in Pakistan and commended her efforts to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries, said a news release.

He appreciated her contribution to promoting bilateral cooperation and fostering greater mutual understanding.

Highlighting the cordial relations between Pakistan and Bulgaria, Chairman Gilani said the two countries enjoyed a relationship based on mutual respect, goodwill, and cooperation on regional and international issues.

He described Bulgaria as an important partner of Pakistan in Europe and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral engagement.

The chairman congratulated Bulgaria on becoming a full member of the Schengen Area and extended his best wishes for its continued economic progress following the adoption of the euro.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bulgaria’s aspiration to join the OECD and welcomed the successful formation of the country’s new government following recent parliamentary elections.

Recalling more than six decades of diplomatic relations, Chairman Gilani stressed the importance of enhancing political engagement through high-level visits and institutional dialogue.

He emphasised the need to unlock the considerable potential for economic and commercial cooperation and expressed hope for the early convening of the
third session of the Pakistan-Bulgaria Inter-Governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

The Chairman thanked Bulgaria for its support regarding Pakistan’s GSP+ status and expressed confidence that such cooperation would continue as Pakistan prepares for the next phase of the European Union’s GSP+ framework.

Underscoring the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Gilani said Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both countries had played a valuable role in strengthening legislative cooperation and promoting closer people-to-people contacts.

He called for increased exchanges between parliamentarians and legislative leaders to further consolidate bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Chairman Gilani briefed the ambassador on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), an initiative launched under his leadership to promote dialogue on peace, security, and development.

He highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and facilitating international dialogue, including between the United States and Iran.

He said Pakistan had emerged as a peace-loving nation and had received international recognition for its efforts to promote peace.

Recalling his joint press conference with former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh during his tenure as prime minister, Chairman Gilani said he had been described as a “man of peace.”

The Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and diplomatic engagement.

The Chairman also highlighted the Senate’s initiatives to promote women’s empowerment, protect minority rights, and engage young people through educational outreach and internship programmes.

Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, he said empowering women, minorities, and youth remained central to Pakistan’s democratic and social development.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the country’s first female prime minister, for her contributions to democracy and women’s empowerment.

Gilani thanked Ambassador Gancheva for her valuable services in strengthening Pakistan-Bulgaria relations and wished her success in her future assignments.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation with Bulgaria and the European Union in areas of mutual interest, particularly youth development, women’s empowerment, education, and economic cooperation.