Phnom Penh (GNP): Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed the opening session of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Phnom Penh, attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Sen.
Welcoming Cambodia’s leadership, Chairman Gilani thanked the King of Cambodia for his message and expressed gratitude to the Senate and people of Cambodia for hosting the conference. He described Prime Minister Hun Manet’s presence as a strong signal of Cambodia’s commitment to parliamentary dialogue and cooperation, and credited Samdech Hun Sen’s leadership and hospitality for bringing parliamentary speakers together on a shared platform.
Speaking under the theme “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity – Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” Gilani called for stronger parliamentary unity and coordinated action on global challenges such as armed conflict, terrorism, climate change and economic inequality.
He said parliamentary diplomacy needs to move “from commitment to action, from dialogue to delivery, and from promises to results,” and proposed that the ISC establish mechanisms for rapid parliamentary response to emerging crises while reinforcing adherence to international law as a cornerstone of peace and stability.
Drawing on Pakistan’s own experience, he noted that parliamentary diplomacy can open new channels for dialogue when conventional diplomatic routes hit limitations, pointing to Pakistan’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in support of regional peace and stability.
Quoting Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Gilani said that leadership for peace demands courage and conviction, and called on parliamentarians to lead with unity and clear vision.
Earlier, Gilani led participating Speakers and delegates on a courtesy visit to Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. During this meeting, he reiterated that Pakistan has consistently played a constructive role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, highlighting the country’s diplomatic engagement and restraint during recent Middle East tensions.
He reaffirmed that parliamentary and political diplomacy can supplement traditional diplomatic efforts, particularly when the latter face constraints, and again pointed to Pakistan’s collective security cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as part of broader regional peace efforts.
He repeated his call to move “from commitment to action, from dialogue to delivery, and from promises to results,” urging the institutionalization of parliamentary diplomacy, the creation of coordinated mechanisms for responding to emerging crises, and greater respect for international law.
Also read: Gilani called for stronger parliamentary diplomacy
Reflecting on Cambodia’s own transition from decades of conflict to peace and development, Gilani said the country’s journey illustrated the power of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity.
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.
