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ISLAMABAD, Feb 05 (APP):Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, met with Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, to reaffirm the strong and friendly relations between the two countries. The chairman is in Cambodia on an official visit.
Gilani conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Senate of Pakistan and expressed deep respect for the National Assembly of Cambodia, said a news release.
He congratulated Khuon Sudary on her historic election as the first woman President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, calling it a milestone for gender equality and inclusive leadership.
He also praised Cambodia’s socio-economic progress and political stability, noting the long-standing bilateral ties based on mutual respect, shared interests, and close cooperation in multilateral forums.
Gilani appreciated Cambodia’s active role in regional cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy and thanked the country for supporting Pakistan’s UN Security Council membership for 2025–26.
Emphasizing parliamentary cooperation, the chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening exchanges through Parliamentary Friendship Groups, institutional dialogue, and inter-parliamentary forums, including the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.
He highlighted his personal engagements with Cambodia, including his participation in the Asia Pacific Cambodia Conference 2019, meetings with former Prime Minister Hun Sen, his visit in July 2023 as an international election observer, and recent interactions with senior Cambodian leadership at international forums.
He said these engagements reflect Pakistan’s strategic outreach to Southeast Asia.
Gilani also highlighted the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) held in Islamabad in November 2025, describing it as a landmark initiative in parliamentary diplomacy. He welcomed Cambodia’s participation and interest in hosting a future ISC conference.
Both sides stressed the need to expand cooperation in trade, investment, climate resilience, defense dialogue, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural diplomacy, including their shared Buddhist heritage linked to Pakistan’s Gandhara civilization.
The chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Cambodia and welcomed continued high-level parliamentary engagement to advance peace, connectivity, and inclusive development.
Senators Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimoor, Abid Sher Ali, Zameer Hussain Ghumro, and Advisor to the Chairman and ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar accompanied Gilani during the meeting.