President of the House of Councillors of Morocco Calls on Chairman Senate of Pakistan
Islamabad : On the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) Hon’ble President of the House of Councillors of Morocco, Ould Errachid, called on the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Chairman Senate warmly welcomed the President of the House of Councillors of Morocco and his delegation, expressing deep appreciation for their participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference. He remarked that Morocco’s active participation has enhanced the significance of the conference and reflects its strong commitment to promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The Chairman stated that the theme of the conference, “Peace, Security, and Development,” mirrors the shared objectives of both Pakistan and Morocco. He emphasized that the brotherhood, faith, and historical ties between the two nations provide a strong foundation for the pursuit of these common goals.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation with Morocco, the Chairman said that Pakistan will continue to make every possible effort to achieve shared objectives of mutual interest. He recalled that the relations between Pakistan and Morocco date back to 1952 when Pakistan extended wholehearted support to Morocco’s struggle for independence and right to self-determination.
He stressed the need to enhance interactions between the two countries through Parliamentary Friendship Groups and committee-level linkages, stating that such forums would provide a strong foundation for sustained collaboration.
Chairman Gilani underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to South-South Cooperation among developing countries to jointly address challenges such as climate change, economic disparity, food security, and sustainable peace. He appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in the Third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum hosted by Morocco, noting that such forums elevate parliamentary diplomacy to new heights.
He added that the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) serves as a comprehensive and forward-looking platform to promote parliamentary cooperation at both regional and global levels, uniting parliaments to advance the agenda of peace, justice, and development.
Lauding Morocco’s constructive participation, Chairman Gilani said that Morocco’s rich regional and African diplomatic experience would make the dialogue more fruitful. He expressed confidence that platforms like ISC will further deepen Pakistan-Morocco parliamentary relations, contributing to mutual progress and shared development.
Discussing bilateral trade, the Chairman highlighted that during the fiscal year 2024, Pakistan’s exports stood at approximately USD 0.028 billion, while imports amounted to USD 0.604 billion. He pointed out that this trade imbalance presents new opportunities for cooperation, emphasizing that both nations can harness their economic potential to create a more balanced trade relationship.
He proposed the establishment of a Joint Business Council, the initiation of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and the exchange of sectoral trade delegations to explore new opportunities in textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, leather, and sports goods. The Chairman also appreciated the potential for joint ventures and investments in agriculture, renewable energy, food processing, and minerals sectors. He called for exploring the establishment of banking channels and currency swap arrangements to facilitate smoother trade transactions.
Referring to Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy” introduced in 2017, Chairman Gilani said that the policy has expanded Pakistan’s political and economic engagement with Africa, including Morocco. He noted that Morocco’s strategic geographic position and active role in the African Union make it a vital gateway for Pakistan’s access to African markets. He proposed collaboration in agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, as well as in capacity-building initiatives across African nations.
Chairman Gilani emphasized the need to strengthen tourism and people-to-people connections between Pakistan and Morocco. He said Pakistan is keen to learn from Morocco’s model of sustainable tourism and proposed enhancing cooperation through cultural exchanges, expert interactions, joint tourism promotion campaigns, and the organization of cultural weeks. He further suggested launching student and youth exchange programs and facilitating visa procedures to promote closer people-to-people contacts.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senate stated that Pakistan and Morocco enjoy relations based on mutual respect, shared values, and Islamic brotherhood. Pakistan is keen to expand these ties further in the areas of trade, education, investment, and culture. He expressed hope that both countries, together with other partners from the Global South, will continue to promote the global narrative of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
