Chairman Senate of Pakistan Yousaf Raza Gillani hosted a reception in Prince Édouard de Ligne La Trémoïlle and Princess Isabella Orsini de Ligne La Trémoïlle of the Belgian Royal Family during their visit to Pakistan.
The reception was attended by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar, Members of the National Assembly Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, Syed Ali Qasim Gilani, Alauddin Junejo and Sharmila Faruqui, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States to Pakistan Natalie Baker, Amir Sheikh from the Pakistani diaspora in Europe, parliamentarians, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
Welcoming the esteemed royal guests to Islamabad, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said it was a matter of great honour for Pakistan to host distinguished members of the Belgian Royal Family. He remarked that the visit was not merely a reflection of diplomatic engagement, but also a symbol of friendship, goodwill and mutual respect between the peoples of Pakistan and Belgium.
He stated that the Belgian Royal Family is regarded among Europe’s oldest and most respected royal houses, adding that the visit of the royal guests would further strengthen the message of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.
He noted that Pakistan greatly values Belgium as a trusted friend and an important partner within the European Union.
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts, the Chairman of the Senate observed that enduring relations between nations are built not only through agreements and institutions, but also through cultural harmony, personal connections and meaningful dialogue.
He said the royal delegation’s visit represented an excellent example of diplomacy founded on mutual respect, trust and shared values.
Referring to Pakistan’s ancient civilisation, cultural diversity and traditions of hospitality, he expressed hope that the distinguished guests would experience firsthand the warmth, sincerity and affection of the people of Pakistan.
Speaking on bilateral relations, Chairman of the Senate Gilani said that ties between Pakistan and Belgium are based on decades of trust, constructive cooperation and international collaboration. He highlighted that cooperation between the two countries continues to grow in diverse fields, including trade, parliamentary exchanges, education, culture and development partnership.
He further stated that although Pakistan and Belgium are geographically distant, both countries share a common belief in dialogue, peace, democratic values and collective prosperity. Appreciating Belgium’s support for Pakistan under the GSP Plus framework, he said the cooperation had further strengthened economic relations between Pakistan and the European Union.
Referring to global challenges, the Chairman of the Senate said issues such as climate change, economic uncertainty, peace and social cohesion require collective wisdom and stronger international cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and international harmony in the region and beyond.
As the founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed his desire to further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and welcomed enhanced interaction between the parliaments of Pakistan and Belgium.
Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate dedicated the evening to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Belgium and conveyed his best wishes for stronger relations, lasting peace and deeper cooperation between the two countries.
The Belgian Prince while addressing the participants, thanked Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for the warm and gracious reception and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for the promotion of global peace.
He said that European countries highly value Pakistan’s constructive role in advancing international peace and expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts would contribute towards preventing wider global conflicts and promoting international stability.