MANILA / Philippines : The visiting delegation of the Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Asima Rabbani, Ambassador of Pakistan to Philippines, called on H.E. Sherwin Gatchalian, President of the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, on the sidelines of the UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila.The delegation consists of Senator Khalida Ateeb, Husna Bano , Rahat Jamali and Advisor to Chairman Misbah Khar and Director General Shahana Iftekhar.
During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation and further strengthening parliamentary ties between the two countries.
Ms. Khar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship with the Philippines through enhanced parliamentary engagement and bilateral cooperation.
The Pakistani parliamentary delegation also visited the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, where they witnessed the proceedings of the Senate. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and acknowledged during the Senate sitting, reflecting the cordial relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and institutional cooperation.
Ms. Khar congratulated the Philippines on the celebration of 76 years of diplomatic relations and appreciated its continued support for Pakistan’s engagement with ASEAN. Both sides emphasized expanding parliamentary exchanges through friendship groups, committee-level cooperation, staff exchanges, and participation in regional and international parliamentary forums.
Highlighting Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s vision for parliamentary diplomacy, Ms. Khar briefed the Senate President on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) and the historic Islamabad Communiqué, while appreciating the participation of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the inaugural conference.
The meeting also explored opportunities to enhance bilateral trade, investment, education, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts, while underscoring cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, halal food, information technology, and other emerging sectors. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in defence, counter-terrorism, regional peace, and multilateral cooperation.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the growing engagement between the two countries and expressed confidence that stronger parliamentary cooperation would further deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared resolve to further expand cooperation across parliamentary, political, economic, educational, and cultural spheres for the mutual benefit of both countries.
