Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council, held official talks with Yousuf Raza Gillani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, at the council headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, underscored the longstanding and cordial ties between the two nations and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral parliamentary relations.
Sheikh Dr. Al Al-Sheikh warmly welcomed the visiting Senate chairman and his accompanying parliamentary delegation, highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rapid development across various sectors under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He emphasized the robust fraternal and historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries in all fields, particularly in the legislative and parliamentary arenas.
Al Al-Sheikh further highlighted the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties. He stressed that regular meetings and reciprocal visits between parliamentarians from both countries are crucial for advancing mutual interests and fostering deeper cooperation. The exchange of parliamentary expertise and experiences, he noted, would not only enhance bilateral relations but also enable the two nations to align their positions on regional and international platforms, particularly in forums where global and regional policies are discussed.
In response, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and gracious reception extended to him and his delegation by the Saudi leadership and people. He commended Saudi Arabia's steadfast support for Pakistan on a variety of issues, acknowledging the Kingdom’s significant role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan. Gillani also recognized the strong bonds between the two nations and their peoples, emphasizing the long-standing friendship and constructive cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and culture.
Gillani further underlined the importance of legislative councils in addressing mutual concerns and advancing shared interests. He pointed out that parliaments play a key role in shaping the political landscape and ensuring that the legislative bodies work in tandem to uphold their countries' regional and international status. Both sides agreed that fostering closer ties between the Shura Council and the Senate of Pakistan would enhance their ability to tackle challenges and address issues of common interest, such as regional security, economic development, and cooperation in international forums.
During the meeting, the two leaders engaged in discussions on several topics of mutual concern, ranging from regional geopolitical developments to opportunities for expanding cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries. They explored practical ways to strengthen collaboration between the Shura Council and the Senate of Pakistan, focusing on enhancing parliamentary exchanges, sharing best practices, and ensuring that both institutions continue to work towards common goals on the global stage.
The session was attended by Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, Vice Speaker of the Shura Council, as well as several key officials from both the Saudi and Pakistani sides. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing their commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan through continued dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration.
This high-level meeting reflects the broader efforts of both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to build on their strong relationship, with a particular emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy as a means of advancing mutual interests and addressing global and regional challenges. It also underscores the shared commitment of both nations to contribute positively to international affairs, particularly in parliamentary forums where decisions shaping the future of global governance are made.
