Chairman Senate holds meeting with President of IPU

ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (APP): Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday held a luncheon and a one-on-one meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson on the sidelines of the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.

Gilani congratulated Dr Ackson on the successful completion of her tenure as IPU president from 2023 to 2026.

He praised her leadership and efforts to make the IPU more inclusive, representative and effective as the global organisation of parliaments.

“Under your able and inspiring leadership, the IPU has become a stronger platform for peace, dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy,” he said.

Gilani said Dr Ackson, as the first African woman to serve as IPU president, had become an inspiration for women parliamentarians, particularly in the Global South.

He said he had worked closely with Dr Ackson during her presidency and would continue to work with her to promote parliamentary cooperation and strengthen the role of the IPU.

The Senate chairman also thanked Dr Ackson, the Tanzanian government and its people for the arrangements and hospitality extended to the delegates in Arusha.

He invited Dr Ackson to visit Pakistan as a guest of the Senate at a mutually convenient time. She accepted the invitation and thanked Gilani for the gesture.

Gilani is leading a cross-party delegation of the Senate and National Assembly to the 153rd IPU Assembly, being held at the Arusha International Conference Centre from Oct 5 to 9.

The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.