ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Advisor to the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Misbah Khar met Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines Sherwin Gatchalian on the sidelines of the UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary and bilateral cooperation. Khar conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening its longstanding friendship with the Philippines through …
Pakistan, Philippines reaffirm commitment to stronger parliamentary ties
ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Advisor to the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Misbah Khar met Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines Sherwin Gatchalian on the sidelines of the UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary and bilateral cooperation.
Khar conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its longstanding friendship with the Philippines through closer parliamentary engagement.
The Pakistani parliamentary delegation, comprising Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Husna Bano, Senator Rahat Jamali, Advisor to the Chairman Senate Misbah Khar and other members, also visited the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, where they observed Senate proceedings.
The delegation was welcomed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and formally acknowledged during the Senate sitting, reflecting the friendly relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to parliamentary diplomacy.
Khar congratulated the Philippines on the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and appreciated its continued support for Pakistan’s engagement with ASEAN.
Both sides agreed to expand parliamentary exchanges through friendship groups, committee-level cooperation, staff exchanges and participation in regional and international parliamentary forums.
Highlighting Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s vision for parliamentary diplomacy, Khar briefed Gatchalian on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) and the Islamabad Communiqué. She also appreciated the participation of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the inaugural conference.
The meeting also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts. Both sides discussed collaboration in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, halal food, information technology and other emerging sectors.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in defence, counterterrorism, regional peace and multilateral affairs.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the growing engagement between Pakistan and the Philippines and expressed confidence that stronger parliamentary cooperation would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in parliamentary, political, economic, educational and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of Pakistan and the Philippines.
