Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan attaches great value to its historic and brotherly ties with Syria, which are rooted in shared faith, history and mutual respect.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed these views while talking to the Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Ramez Alraee, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.
The meeting reaffirmed the two countries' resolve to further deepen their longstanding relationship and to continue joint efforts for regional peace, stability and prosperity. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan and Syria have always stood shoulder to shoulder in testing times. He recalled that Pakistan had maintained its diplomatic mission in Damascus even during the years of internal conflict, reflecting its principled and steadfast friendship with Syria.
Highlighting the deep historical connection between the two ancient cities of Damascus and Multan, the Acting President said both symbolise civilisational depth and resilience. He observed that Pakistan had consistently supported Syria at international fora, including playing an active role in the restoration of Syria's membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He noted that Pakistan has a large pool of skilled professionals who could contribute to Syria's rebuilding, particularly in the fields of medicine, education, information technology and banking. He added that Pakistan's training and capacity-building programmes were open to Syrian diplomats, educators and medical professionals.
He also handed over an invitation for the Speaker of the Syrian Parliament to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference being held next month.
Ambassador Dr. Ramez Alraee thanked Pakistan for its unwavering support and said that Syria highly values its historic relationship with Pakistan. He noted that there is vast potential for expanding cooperation in multiple fields, including defence, railways, economy and education, while also stressing the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts.
Meanwhile the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, paid a farewell call on Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.
The Acting President appreciated the Ambassador's efforts in promoting and strengthening Pakistan-Ethiopia relations during his tenure. He said the Ambassador had played a key role in advancing political, economic, and people-to-people linkages between the two brotherly nations. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also lauded Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula's contribution to the Green Pakistan Initiative and his active role in addressing climate change.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani conveyed best wishes for the Ambassador's future endeavours and expressed confidence that Pakistan-Ethiopia relations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead. He also handed over invitations for the Speakers of both Houses of the Ethiopian Parliament to attend the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference being held in Islamabad next month.
Ambassador Dr Jemal Beker Abdula praised the leadership role of Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and said that the entire African region, including Ethiopia, acknowledges his contributions in promoting Pakistan's relations with African countries. He said Pakistan is an important country for the African continent and that Ethiopia holds its relationship with Pakistan in the highest esteem.
The Ambassador said that the African region considers Pakistan a well-wisher and a brotherly nation, adding that Ethiopia will always remember and acknowledge Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's efforts in prioritising relations with Ethiopia. He also lauded the Acting President's active role in promoting people-to-people contacts through parliamentary diplomacy.
Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula recalled the celebration of Africa Day in the Senate of Pakistan and the resolution passed on the occasion, terming it a milestone that will always be remembered by all African nations.
He praised Pakistan's resilience and progress, expressing confidence that Pakistan would play an increasingly important role at the global level. He assured that Ethiopia would remain a partner in this journey.
Dr. Jemal said Pakistan would always remain close to his heart and that he would fondly remember the friendship and hospitality he experienced during his stay in Islamabad. He also affirmed that he would personally deliver the conference invitations to the Ethiopian parliamentary leadership.