Manila, August 4, 2026: Advisor to the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Ms. Misbah Khar, met Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, Sherwin Gatchalian, on the sidelines of the UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding parliamentary diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Ms. Khar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen its longstanding friendship with the Philippines through enhanced parliamentary engagement and closer bilateral ties.
A Pakistani parliamentary delegation comprising Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Husna Bano, Senator Rahat Jamali, Advisor to the Chairman Senate Ms. Misbah Khar, and other delegation members also visited the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, where they observed the Senate proceedings. The delegation was warmly received by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and formally acknowledged during the Senate session, 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 with Pakistan and appreciated its continued support for Pakistan’s engagement with ASEAN. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding parliamentary exchanges through friendship groups, committee-level cooperation, staff exchange programmes, and participation in regional and international parliamentary forums.
Highlighting Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s vision for parliamentary diplomacy, Ms. Khar briefed the Philippine Senate President on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) and the historic Islamabad Communiqué. She also appreciated the participation of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the inaugural conference.
The discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. Both sides identified agriculture, pharmaceuticals, halal food, information technology, and other emerging sectors as areas with significant potential for collaboration.
The two sides further reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, regional peace, and multilateral affairs.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the growing engagement between Pakistan and the Philippines and expressed confidence that closer parliamentary cooperation would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across parliamentary, political, economic, educational, and cultural spheres for the mutual benefit of Pakistan and the Philippines.
