Islamabad, May 13,2026: Chairman Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani hosted a reception in Islamabad in honour of His Highness Prince Édouard de Ligne La Trémoïlle and Her Highness Princess Isabella Orsini de Ligne La Trémoïlle of the Belgian Royal Family during their visit to Pakistan.
The reception was attended by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar, Members of the National Assembly Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, Syed Ali Qasim Gilani, Alauddin Junejo and c along with diplomats, parliamentarians and distinguished guests, including Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States to Pakistan Natalie Baker.
Welcoming the royal guests, Chairman Senate Gilani said it was a great honour for Pakistan to host distinguished members of the Belgian Royal Family. He described the visit as a symbol of friendship, goodwill and mutual respect between the peoples of Pakistan and Belgium.
He noted that the Belgian Royal Family is among Europe’s oldest and most respected royal houses, adding that the visit would further strengthen ties between the two countries. He said Pakistan values Belgium as a trusted friend and an important partner within the European Union.
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts, Gilani said enduring relations between nations are built not only through agreements and institutions, but also through cultural harmony, personal connections and meaningful dialogue. He termed the royal delegation’s visit an example of diplomacy based on mutual respect, trust and shared values.
The Chairman Senate also highlighted Pakistan’s ancient civilisation, cultural diversity and traditions of hospitality, expressing hope that the visiting dignitaries would experience the warmth and sincerity of the Pakistani people.
Speaking on bilateral relations, he said Pakistan and Belgium enjoy decades of trust, constructive cooperation and international collaboration. He added that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand in areas including trade, parliamentary exchanges, education, culture and development partnership.
Gilani said that despite geographical distance, Pakistan and Belgium share common beliefs 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 such as climate change, economic uncertainty and peace, the Chairman Senate stressed the need for collective wisdom and stronger international cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and international harmony at regional and global levels.
As the founding chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Gilani also expressed his desire to further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and welcomed enhanced interaction between the parliaments of Pakistan and Belgium.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Édouard de Ligne La Trémoïlle thanked Chairman Senate Gilani for the warm reception and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting global peace. He said European countries value Pakistan’s constructive role in advancing international peace and expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts would help prevent wider global conflicts and promote international stability.
