ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Tuesday met with the Belgian Royal Delegation comprising Prince Édouard de Ligne La Trémoïlle and Princess Isabella Orsini de Ligne La Trémoïlle at Parliament House.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views in a cordial atmosphere on bilateral relations, parliamentary diplomacy, regional developments, and avenues for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Belgium, said a news release.

The Chairman Senate conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the Parliament and people of Pakistan to the people of Belgium and expressed satisfaction over the growing relations between the two countries.

He remarked that the visit of the distinguished Belgian delegation reflected the longstanding friendship, mutual goodwill, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Belgium.

The Chairman Senate said that Pakistan attached great importance to its friendly relations with Belgium and regarded as an important partner in Europe.

He added that Pakistan–Belgium relations were rooted in mutual respect, democratic values, and constructive engagement at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Highlighting Belgium’s significance as the host country of key European institutions, he said Belgium served as an important gateway for Pakistan’s engagement with Europe.

He also appreciated Belgium’s continued support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, acknowledging its positive contribution towards enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman of the Senate said that the Senate of Pakistan remained actively engaged in promoting dialogue and cooperation with parliamentary institutions across the world.

He underlined that enhanced interaction between parliamentarians and institutions of both countries would further strengthen mutual understanding and facilitate the exchange of experiences in democratic governance and policy making.

The Chairman of the Senate also highlighted the significance of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), an initiative launched under his leadership in April 2025. He described the forum as a unique platform aimed at promoting global peace, cooperation, and inclusive development through parliamentary diplomacy.

Referring to the first ISC Conference held in Islamabad in November 2025, he noted that parliamentary delegations from 39 countries participated in the event, which made it an important platform for dialogue on global peace and developmental challenges. He expressed hope for Belgium’s active participation in future editions of the conference.

Discussing economic cooperation, the Chairman of the Senate observed that Belgium was one of Pakistan’s important economic partners in Europe and served as a major trade and logistics hub for Pakistani exports.

Regional and global developments also came under discussion during the meeting.

Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s principled position in favour of peaceful resolution of conflicts, dialogue-based diplomacy, and regional stability.

He further highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and de-escalation in the Middle East and expressed hope that the recent ceasefire agreement reached in April 2026 would contribute towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Chairman said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country committed to the promotion of peace worldwide. He observed that India had attempted to impose conflict on Pakistan last year through false propaganda; however, Pakistan responded responsibly and defended itself with restraint and maturity.

He added that the leadership and bravery of Pakistan’s Armed Forces had been widely appreciated internationally.

The Belgian Prince and Princess thanked Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for the warm hospitality and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for the promotion of peace at the international level.

They acknowledged that European countries recognised and valued Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting global peace and expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts would help avert wider global conflict and contribute to international stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman of the Senate thanked the distinguished Belgian delegation for their visit and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening relations with Belgium.

He emphasized upon the importance of enhancing parliamentary exchanges, economic cooperation, and people-to-people contacts between the two countries while conveying his best wishes for the people of Belgium.