PHNOM PENH — Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Cambodia through enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, political engagement, and people-to-people cooperation, as Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held high-level meetings with Cambodia’s leadership during his official visit.
Chairman Gilani met Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, conveying warm greetings and respect on behalf of the Senate of Pakistan. He praised the monarch’s leadership and dedication to national unity, cultural heritage, and the welfare of the Cambodian people.
The chairman reaffirmed the long-standing and friendly relations between Pakistan and Cambodia, noting that bilateral ties, established in 1952, are rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. He also commended Cambodia’s constructive role in regional cooperation and inter-parliamentary dialogue.
Focus on parliamentary diplomacy and regional cooperation
Recalling his previous engagements with Cambodia, Gilani highlighted his participation in the Asia Pacific Cambodia Conference in 2019 as former prime minister, his meetings with Cambodian leadership over the years, and his visit in July 2023 to observe Cambodia’s general elections as an international observer. He said these engagements reflect Pakistan’s continued support for democratic processes and international parliamentary cooperation.
Emphasizing the role of legislatures, the chairman said parliamentary cooperation can serve as a catalyst for expanding trade, investment, and regional connectivity. He highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in parliamentary diplomacy through the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in 2025 and welcomed Cambodia’s active participation in the inaugural conference held in Islamabad in November 2025.
Meeting with Cambodian prime minister
Later, Chairman Gilani also met Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, thanking the Cambodian government for its warm hospitality and reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to further deepen bilateral ties.
During the meeting, he expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s support for Pakistan’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–26 term, and acknowledged Cambodia’s role in supporting Pakistan’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Pakistan’s status as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner and membership in the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Expanding cooperation across sectors
The chairman underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation, recalling the 2016 memorandum of understanding between the Senates of Pakistan and Cambodia. He stressed the need for Parliamentary Friendship Groups, committee-level exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives.
Gilani also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, defence and security, climate resilience, and cultural exchanges, including people-to-people ties linked to Pakistan’s Gandhara Buddhist heritage.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening engagement with Cambodia, the chairman said stronger bilateral cooperation would contribute to peace, regional stability, and inclusive development in Asia.
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