Saifullah Ansar
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 24: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Meets with EU Ambassador Raimundas Karblis at Parliament House
Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karblis, paid a courtesy call on the Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at Parliament House today. The meeting offered a comprehensive review of Pakistan–EU relations, underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, regional stability, and people-to-people linkages.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed appreciation for the EU’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan, built on shared democratic values, respect for international law, and a common commitment to global peace and cooperation. He reaffirmed that Pakistan greatly values the EU’s continued engagement with its Parliament.
The EU Ambassador conveyed condolences and regret over the loss of life and property caused by recent floods and rains in Pakistan. Chairman Gilani expressed gratitude to the European Union for its timely assistance and solidarity during difficult times, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Highlighting the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation, Chairman Gilani noted that Pakistan–EU collaboration spans trade, development cooperation, institutional linkages, and security. He lauded the EU as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and emphasized the positive impact of the GSP+ arrangement in fostering export diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.
On investment, the Chairman briefed the Ambassador about the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a national platform aimed at creating a predictable business environment and attracting foreign investment in key sectors such as IT, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals, and infrastructure. He invited European investors to explore opportunities in alignment with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
Chairman Senate also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive development, with special focus on women’s empowerment. He drew attention to the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and international law. He further urged the international community, particularly the EU, to play its role in ensuring just and lasting solutions to global conflicts, including the Palestinian issue.
Ms. Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman Senate on Parliamentary Diplomacy, apprised the Ambassador of Pakistan’s proactive role in global parliamentary forums. She highlighted that Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani was unanimously elected as the Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), a unique platform comprising 45 countries. She briefed the Ambassador on the objectives of the ISC, which fosters dialogue on peace, development, stability, and security.
