Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan, Irena Genadieva Gancheva, called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at Parliament House on Wednesday. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, parliamentary cooperation, and avenues for enhancing economic and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bulgaria. Chairman Senate congratulated Ambassador Gancheva on the successful completion of her diplomatic assignment in Pakistan and commended her efforts in strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He appreciated her contribution to promoting bilateral cooperation and fostering greater mutual understanding.
Highlighting the cordial relations between Pakistan and Bulgaria, Chairman Gilani noted that the two countries enjoy a relationship based on mutual respect, goodwill, and cooperation on regional and international issues. He described Bulgaria as an important partner of Pakistan in Europe and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening bilateral engagement. The Chairman felicitated Bulgaria on becoming a full member of the Schengen Area and extended best wishes for its continued economic progress following the adoption of the Euro. He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bulgaria’s aspirations to join the OECD and welcomed the successful formation of the country’s new government following recent parliamentary elections.
Recalling over six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Chairman Gilani stressed the importance of enhancing political engagement through high-level visits and institutional dialogue. He emphasized the need to unlock the considerable potential for economic and commercial cooperation and expressed hope for the early convening of the third session of the Pakistan-Bulgaria Inter-Governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The Chairman thanked Bulgaria for its support regarding Pakistan’s GSP Plus status and expressed confidence that such cooperation would continue as Pakistan prepares for the next phase of the European Union’s GSP+ framework.
Underscoring the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Gilani noted that Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both countries have played a valuable role in strengthening legislative cooperation and promoting closer people-to-people contacts. He called for increased exchanges between parliamentarians and legislative leaders to further consolidate bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Chairman Gilani briefed the Ambassador on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), an initiative launched under his leadership to promote dialogue on peace, security, and development. He highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating regional peace and fostering international dialogue between United States and Iran. He said that Pakistan has emerged as a peace loving nation and has received global acknowledgment for peace efforts . Recalling his joint press conference with former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Gilani noted that he was described as a "man of peace." Ambassador Gancheva appreciated Pakistan’s efforts toward peace, stability, and diplomatic engagement.
The Chairman also highlighted the Senate’s initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, protecting minority rights, and engaging youth through educational outreach and internship programmes. Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, he stated that empowering women, minorities, and young people remains central to Pakistan’s democratic and social development. He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senate thanked Ambassador Gancheva for her valuable services in strengthening Pakistan-Bulgaria relations and wished her success in her future assignments. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation with Bulgaria and the European Union in areas of mutual interest, particularly youth development, women’s empowerment, education, and economic cooperation.
