Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted and fraternal relations with Yemen, emphasizing the shared cultural, historical, and religious bonds between the two nations. He expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, in Islamabad on Wednesday, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations, regional stability, and economic cooperation.
According to a statement by Press Information Department, Chairman Gilani warmly welcomed the Ambassador and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Yemen in its efforts to achieve peace and stability. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to providing support through scholarships, capacity-building initiatives, and professional training for Yemeni students and officials.
Chairman Gilani highlighted that Pakistan could extend its expertise to Yemen in key sectors such as climate change, information technology, agriculture, and defense. He underscored Pakistan’s strategic significance as a nuclear power and highlighted its close ties with China and Turkiye.
While discussing the Afghan refugee situation, Chairman Gilani noted Pakistan’s ongoing role in hosting Afghan refugees and urged the global community to address this challenge. The Yemeni Ambassador acknowledged the strong relationship between Pakistan and Yemen and called for further cooperation in capacity building and international collaboration.
The meeting also reviewed Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Yemen conflict, aligning with UN Security Council and Organization of Islamic Cooperation resolutions. Chairman Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for peace initiatives, including the Riyadh Agreement of December 2019.
Chairman Gilani stressed the need to expand trade relations and explore investment opportunities between the two countries. He noted that Pakistan’s institutions, including NADRA and private sector companies, could play a significant role in Yemen’s reconstruction once peace is restored.
He highlighted the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to provide a one-window operation for investments in IT, agriculture, mining, and other sectors. To strengthen parliamentary and business ties, Chairman Gilani highlighted the creation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate.
He extended an invitation to Yemen’s parliamentary and ministerial leadership for an official visit to Pakistan. Chairman Gilani also invited the Ambassador to visit Multan to engage with the business community and explore opportunities for economic cooperation.