Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins in Islamabad, where the two held comprehensive discussions on advancing bilateral relations and broadening avenues of cooperation. The meeting touched on a wide spectrum of areas including trade, education, defence, parliamentary collaboration, cultural exchange, climate change, and people-to-people linkages. Gilani highlighted the historic nature of Pakistan-Australia ties, recalling that diplomatic relations were established in 1948 and have grown stronger over the decades. Stressing shared democratic values and bicameral parliamentary traditions, he emphasized the potential of greater parliamentary engagement, particularly through more effective friendship groups and regular exchange of delegations. He lauded the outgoing envoy’s role in strengthening cooperation in education, culture, and development programmes. On trade, Gilani said that despite a current bilateral volume of USD 2.5 billion, significant opportunities remain in agriculture, renewable energy, minerals, IT, and manufacturing sectors, alongside a proposed joint business forum.
In his remarks, Gilani underlined Pakistan’s intent to boost exports in textiles, surgical instruments, IT services, and food products, while also urging enhanced defence collaboration. He appreciated Australia’s continued development assistance and stressed the urgency of joint action on climate change, pointing to Pakistan’s vulnerability after recent devastating floods. He also emphasized innovation, inclusive growth, and green transition as key themes for future cooperation. Gilani recalled his earlier visit to Australia as Speaker, noting its role in building momentum for parliamentary ties, and urged the institutionalization of annual joint sessions and thematic working groups. He informed the envoy about flood damage in South Punjab, appealing to philanthropists and welfare groups for relief efforts. The Chairman also briefed him on the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in November, extending a formal invitation to Australia’s parliamentary leadership. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability at regional and global levels.
Gilani, Australian Envoy Discuss Boosting Ties in Trade, Defence, and Education Senate Chairman Stresses Stronger Cooperation, High-Level Exchanges, and Climate Action
