PHNOM PENH: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has arrived in Cambodia to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), as Islamabad seeks to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation with participating countries.
Gilani reached Phnom Penh for the conference being hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia and was received by senior representatives of the Cambodian Senate and government, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem.
Among the Cambodian officials welcoming the Senate chairman were Senator Mann Chhoeurn, Senator Sles Punnayamin, General Director Bun Vouthea and Kandal Province Deputy Governor Nop Dara.
Gilani thanked the Cambodian Senate and government for hosting the conference and said Pakistan remained committed to strengthening parliamentary cooperation, dialogue and coordinated efforts aimed at promoting peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development.
The conference follows the inaugural Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference hosted by Pakistan in November 2025. Cambodia is hosting the second edition as participating legislatures seek to deepen parliamentary engagement and cooperation.
Senator Sles Punnayamin said Cambodia considered it an honour to host the conference under Gilani’s leadership. He also highlighted the Senate chairman’s longstanding relationship with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, describing it as an important foundation for stronger ties between the two parliaments.
Gilani is scheduled to address a plenary session of the conference, where he is expected to focus on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, inclusivity and cooperative responses to regional and global challenges.
He will also hold bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders and heads of delegations on the sidelines of the conference, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation and stronger people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan’s participation in the gathering reflects its broader push for multilateral engagement and dialogue through parliamentary forums.
Upon reaching his hotel in Phnom Penh, Gilani was also received by ISC Secretary General Ek Nath Dhakal and members of the conference secretariat.
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