Islamabad: Senator Abdul Qadir, leading a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, met with President of the Philippine Senate Sherwin Gatchalian in Manila and discussed ways to expand parliamentary and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Senator Abdul Qadir conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and invited the Philippine Senate President to visit Pakistan.
He also expressed Pakistan’s condolences over the recent devastating floods in the Philippines and reaffirmed solidarity with the Filipino people.
Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Senator Abdul Qadir said Parliamentary Friendship Groups had already been established in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan.
He encouraged the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives to take similar steps to formalise and institutionalise parliamentary friendship ties, providing a framework for regular engagement between the two legislatures.
Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges of parliamentary delegations and high-level visits to promote mutual understanding and strengthen legislative cooperation.
They also discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment and economic relations through structured dialogue and exploring new avenues for commercial cooperation.
Earlier, the Pakistani delegation received a warm welcome during a session of the Philippine Senate, reflecting the friendly and longstanding relations between Pakistan and the Philippines.