Tashkent: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, held a comprehensive bilateral meeting with the Russian parliamentary delegation on the sidelines of the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic depth of Pakistan-Russia relations and underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation.
Chairman Gillani emphasized the shared aspirations of Pakistan and Russia for peace, security, and a multipolar world order. He lauded the evolving partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect and expanding cooperation in defense, trade, energy, and multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The discussions reflected mutual intent to strengthen institutional linkages between parliaments through exchange visits, revival of Parliamentary Friendship Groups, and sustained dialogue.
Both sides reviewed ongoing strategic and defense cooperation, with Chairman Gilani highlighting the need to deepen security dialogue, counterterrorism coordination, and military training exchanges. On the economic front, the two sides discussed enhancing trade and investment in key sectors including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT. The Chairman advocated for the establishment of direct banking channels and improved regional connectivity. They also stressed collaboration in multilateral platforms like the UN and SCO on pressing global issues such as climate change, food security, and narcotics control. The meeting concluded with reaffirmed commitment to regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan, and Chairman Gilani extended an invitation for future parliamentary exchanges in Islamabad.
