Pakistan Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani hosted ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Secretary General Ar. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman at his residence on Wednesday, emphasizing inter-parliamentary cooperation and shared goals for peace and inclusive progress.

Gilani congratulated Rahman on her pioneering role as AIPA’s first female Secretary General and her Honorary Fellow Award from the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations. He acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring ties with ASEAN, highlighting its Sectoral Dialogue Partner status since 1993 and ongoing collaboration through the ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AP-JSCC). He reaffirmed Pakistan’s engagement with AIPA since achieving Observer Status in 2022.

The Chairman discussed the recent establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Seoul, promoting global dialogue and solutions to shared difficulties. He announced Pakistan’s hosting of the inaugural ISC Conference in Islamabad this November, themed “Peace, Stability, and Development,” and formally invited AIPA’s participation. ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar outlined the conference’s goals and preparations, emphasizing its dedication to inclusive, values-driven collaboration. She also highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to women’s empowerment.

Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to gender equality, inclusive expansion, and democratic governance, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership. He also stressed Pakistan’s commitment to human rights, democratic principles, and the defense of vulnerable groups.

Both leaders agreed on strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation to tackle common obstacles and promote inclusive advancement. They explored collaboration opportunities in digital economy, renewable energy, climate adaptation, education, and infrastructure. Gilani stressed sustained engagement through AIPA, ISC, the UN, and OIC to promote peace, equity, and regional unity.

Rahman praised Pakistan’s increasing regional leadership in parliamentary dialogue and welcomed the ISC as a timely platform. She affirmed AIPA’s dedication to enhancing cooperation, people-to-people interactions, and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance parliamentary diplomacy, uphold common values, and pursue a peaceful, prosperous future for the region.