ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Spain on Thursday renewed their commitment to deepen diplomatic relations and collaborate on a range of global challenges, including disaster relief, climate change, counterterrorism and economic development.

A high-level parliamentary delegation from Spain’s Senate Affairs Committee engaged in extensive discussions with Pakistani lawmakers at a meeting hosted by Senator Irfanul Haque Siddiqui, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Senator Siddiqui warmly welcomed the Spanish delegation, which included the Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, acknowledging the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He expressed profound solidarity with the Spanish people in light of the recent devastating floods in Spain, noting Pakistan’s own experiences with similar natural disasters.

Senator Siddiqui proposed enhanced parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on disaster preparedness, relief management, and rehabilitation efforts.

“The catastrophic floods in Spain resonate deeply with us, as Pakistan too has suffered from the devastating impact of torrential rains and floods in recent years. We stand in solidarity with the Spanish people during these trying times and seek to collaborate on disaster response strategies,” said Senator Siddiqui.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping foreign policy and fostering international peace and security.

“Through enhanced collaboration, we can address critical global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic instability, and work together for a more secure and prosperous world,” added Senator Siddiqui.

Additionally, the discussion explored opportunities to bolster economic cooperation between Pakistan and Spain.

Senator Siddiqui highlighted the potential for increased trade, investment, and sustainable growth initiatives, alongside joint efforts in humanitarian assistance and development projects.

The meeting also addressed the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Spain, emphasizing the role of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral ties. Both parties agreed on the need to enhance educational and knowledge exchange programmes, ensuring that future generations of Pakistanis and Spaniards can work together in addressing common global challenges.

The meeting was marked by open dialogue and a shared commitment to advancing global peace, security, and sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan, Syed Ali Zafar, Rubina Kaim Khani, Muhammad Abdul Qadir and Senator Liaqat khan Tarakai. Senior officers of the senate secretariat also were also in attendance.

Meanwhile, the four-member Spanish parliamentary delegation also called on Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.

The Senate Chairman during the meeting called for increased collaboration between Pakistan and Spain in diverse sectors as the two countries share commonalities and both have a shared vision for peace and sustainable development.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman Senate termed the relations between Pakistan and Spain as historic, however, he observed that there is still a huge scope for further deepening the mutual collaboration in diverse sectors.

He recognized the longstanding diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Spain, rooted in mutual respect and shared values and emphasized that this visit marks a valuable opportunity to further deepen these bonds and explore avenues for productive collaboration.

He recalled his visit to Spain in 2010 as Prime Minister and said that productive dialogue with Spanish and EU officials regarding Pakistan’s textile industry, led to the EU’s special trade package to boost Pakistani textile exports.

He further mentioned the visit to WTO headquarters, and the fruitful discussions on expanding Pakistan access to international markets and strengthening trade relations, which aligned with Pakistan broader economic goals. He emphasized that the EU trade concessions were a milestone, facilitated by support from Spain, which provided significant economic benefits to Pakistan’s textile industry.

The Chairman Senate also highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary relations in strengthening bilateral ties. He commended the Spanish Senate for prioritizing diplomatic outreach with Pakistan. He underlined the need to continue parliamentary interaction, especially through parliamentary friendship groups and other higher level to promote people-to-people contacts.

The Chairman Senate underscored the potential for collaborative exchanges to strengthen democratic institutions. Gilani also emphasized trade relations between Pakistan and Spain mentioning key exports such as textiles, agricultural products, and called for further encouraging investment in sectors like renewable energy, tourism and agri sectors.

He suggested increased cultural and educational exchanges to foster mutual understanding between the people of both the countries. He also acknowledged the Pakistani diaspora positive role in Spain, which enhances bilateral relations. Gilani also informed the delegation about the Gaza, Kashmir and Palestine situation.

Leader of the delegation Vincente Azpitarte Perez also agreed with the views of the Chairman to diversify mutual collaboration and explore new avenues for cooperation.

He expressed his delight to visit Pakistan. The Chairman was flanked by Senators Anusha Rahman and Agha Shahzaib Durrani during the meeting. Both the Senators also welcomed the delegation.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2024