ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday met the king and prime minister of Cambodia reaffirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral and parliamentary ties between Pakistan and the Southeast Asian country.

Mr Gilani, visiting Cambodia, emphasised parliamentary diplomacy, political engagement and people-to-people cooperation of the two countries, said a statement released here on Wednesday.

During his meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, the Chairman conveyed, on behalf of the Senate of Pakistan, warm greetings and profound respect and expressed deep appreciation for the King’s gracious leadership, moral authority, and dedication to national unity, cultural heritage, and the well-being of the Cambodian people.

Chairman Gilani reaffirmed the longstanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Cambodia, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, and commended Cambodia’s constructive role in regional cooperation and inter-parliamentary dialogue.

Mr Gilani stressed that parliamentary engagement can play a catalytic role in advancing trade facilitation, investment promotion, and regional connectivity.

Chairman Gilani also noted the potential for expanding trade and economic cooperation, strengthening defence and security dialogue, enhancing collaboration on climate change and sustainable development, and promoting people-to-people and cultural ties, including shared Buddhist heritage linked to Pakistan’s Gandhara civilization.

Later, Chairman Senate also met Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through parliamentary diplomacy, political dialogue, and people-to-people cooperation.

Chairman Gilani highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Cambodia, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and close cooperation in multilateral fora. 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 ASEAN, including its Sectoral Dialogue Partner status and membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026