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ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP):Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Wednesday held a meeting with the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Emin Cohodrevica.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing parliamentary cooperation, expanding economic partnerships, and promoting educational and cultural exchanges, along with other matters of mutual interest.
The Chairman Senate warmly welcomed the Bosnian Ambassador and stated that relations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina are historic, friendly, and based on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared values.
He noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence and extended strong political and humanitarian support during its most difficult times.
The Chairman Senate paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Bosnian people and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Bosnia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
He underscored that Pakistan has always upheld international law, human rights, and the principles of global peace and security.
He also expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Bosnia to Pakistan during the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods.
Chairman Senate said that relations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina remain cordial, trustworthy, and progressive.
He noted that high-level interactions between the two countries have given new impetus to bilateral ties.
Emphasizing the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that parliamentary friendship groups between the two countries can play a vital role in promoting friendship and collaboration.
He invited parliamentary delegations from Bosnia to visit Pakistan so that both sides could benefit from each other’s legislative experiences.
He further emphasized that strengthening people-to-people contacts is the need of the hour.
The Chairman Senate underlined the importance of expanding economic and trade relations, stating that there exist vast opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, textiles, tourism, agriculture, and food processing sectors.
He added that youth exchange programs, sports collaborations, and linkages between universities would further deepen the bonds of friendship.
Chairman Senate invited Bosnian businesspersons and investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, noting that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) provides a well-integrated platform for facilitating foreign investment.
He informed the Ambassador that he has been elected as the founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), which now brings together speakers from 45 countries.
He also invited a parliamentary delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to attend the upcoming ISC Conference to be held in Islamabad on 11–12 November 2025.
He said that the conference, themed “Peace, Security and Development”, would serve as an important platform for discussion on shared challenges and opportunities. He added that Bosnia’s participation would further strengthen mutual understanding and parliamentary diplomacy.
He stressed that Pakistan and Bosnia should continue supporting each other at international fora and raise a unified voice for justice, equality, and sustainable development.
The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina thanked the Government, the people, and the Parliament of Pakistan for their continued support. He recalled Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic backing during difficult times and expressed gratitude.
The Ambassador also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, recalling her 1994 visit to Bosnia, where she visited hospitals, camps, and met with the country’s leadership. The Ambassador described Pakistan as an important country in the region.