π½πππππ : Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler, President of the Federal Council of Austria. The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthening parliamentary ties, fostering cooperation in key sectors, and enhancing bilateral relations.
Chairman Senate conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation. Both leaders acknowledged the steady progress in Pakistan-Austria relations and discussed avenues for expanding inter-parliamentary collaboration through the Pakistan-Austria Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Chairman Senate appreciated Austriaβs support in establishing Pakistanβs Parliamentary Budget Office and urged continued technical assistance and knowledge exchange. He also highlighted Austriaβs contributions in higher education, particularly through the Pakistan Austria Fachhochschule-Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) in Haripur, and discussed opportunities for expanding academic and research collaborations.
Discussions further covered Austriaβs expertise in renewable energy, industrial development, and hydroelectric power, with an emphasis on forging stronger economic and trade partnerships. Chairman Senate underscored Pakistanβs commitment to sustainable development and called for joint efforts in tackling global challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, and technical education.
The role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was also highlighted as a key initiative for promoting investment and economic collaboration between Pakistan and Austria. Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistanβs commitment to inclusive regional development and welcomed Austriaβs cooperation in this regard.
Chairman Senate also spoke about the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Austria. He recalled the contributions of Muhammad Asad, formerly Leopold Weiss, an Austrian-born scholar who embraced Islam and played a significant role in Pakistanβs early nation-building. Asad was granted Pakistanβs first full citizenship and contributed to constitutional recommendations before serving as Pakistanβs Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Nations in 1952. Furthermore, Chairman Senate paid tribute to Begum Viqarunnisa Noon, an Austrian-born figure who converted to Islam upon marrying Sir Feroz Khan Noon, Pakistanβs seventh Prime Minister. She played a pivotal role in the Pakistan movement, symbolizing resilience and commitment to the countryβs progress.
In conclusion, Chairman Senate extended an invitation to Ms. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler to visit Pakistan, reaffirming Pakistanβs desire to enhance parliamentary cooperation and foster a strong partnership with Austria.