Senate Chairman urges enhanced parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, education, defence cooperation and people-to-people contacts
ISLAMABAD, Saturday, October 3, 2026 (WNP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Australia relations through enhanced parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, education, defence cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane at Parliament House, Islamabad. The meeting focused on bilateral and parliamentary cooperation and matters of mutual interest.
Chairman Gilani said Pakistan highly values its longstanding relations with Australia, highlighting shared democratic values, Commonwealth traditions, bicameral parliamentary systems and strong people-to-people linkages.
He appreciated Australia’s contribution to Pakistan’s development, particularly in education and human resource development, and acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora to Australia’s social and economic development.
Gilani briefed the Australian High Commissioner on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), of which he is the Founding Chairman. He noted that the first conference was held in Pakistan, the second in Cambodia, while the third is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in February 2027.
The two sides also exchanged views on the upcoming election for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and discussed matters relating to inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Emphasising the potential for greater economic engagement, Chairman Gilani called for expanded cooperation in agri-tech, renewable energy, fintech, minerals, textiles, IT services and food products, along with stronger linkages between business communities and chambers of commerce.
He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in higher education, scholarships, joint research, climate change, disaster management, cybersecurity, maritime security and peacekeeping.
Chairman Gilani underscored the importance of constructive diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane expressed Australia’s desire to further strengthen bilateral and parliamentary cooperation with Pakistan and appreciated Chairman Gilani’s efforts to promote closer relations between the two countries.
Advisor to Chairman Senate and Ambassador to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Misbah Khar, was also present during the meeting.
The discussions build on continued Pakistan-Australia parliamentary and bilateral engagement. The Senate of Pakistan maintains a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Australia, while recent official engagements have also highlighted trade, investment, education and agriculture as areas for expanded cooperation.
