Gilani reaffirms strong Pakistan-Australia ties at Australia Day Reception

Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani on Tuesday said that the gathering at the Australian High Commission symbolised not only a celebration of friendship but also the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Australia, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and people-to-people connections

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani on Tuesday said that the gathering at the Australian High Commission symbolised not only a celebration of friendship but also the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Australia, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and people-to-people connections.

He expressed these views while attending the Australia Day in Spring reception as the chief guest at the official residence of Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane in the Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, according to a news release.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders, members of civil society, and distinguished guests from various walks of life.

Addressing the gathering, Gilani extended warm felicitations on behalf of the Senate, Government, and people of Pakistan to the Government and people of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day in Spring.

The chairman of the Senate highlighted the historic roots of Pakistan-Australia relations, recalling that officers from the Australian Defence Forces had received training at the Command and Staff College Quetta as early as 1907.

He added that among them was Thomas Blamey, who later became Australia’s first and only field marshal, reflecting the long-standing trust and cooperation between the two countries.

He said Pakistan and Australia enjoy warm and steady bilateral relations anchored in parliamentary democracy, shared traditions, and commitment to peace and a rules-based international order.

Gilani also recalled his meetings with former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Perth in 2011, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II.

He said those engagements paved the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, counterterrorism, and economic development.

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Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the chairman of the Senate said that the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group has emerged as an effective platform for dialogue and cooperation in diverse sectors, including governance, climate change, and agriculture.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary collaboration for peace, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.

Speaking about cultural and sporting ties, Gilani noted that cricket continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the peoples of both countries.

He welcomed the forthcoming tour of the Australian cricket team to Pakistan, stating that such exchanges strengthen goodwill and mutual understanding.

The chairman Senate also underlined the growing people-to-people and economic relations between the two countries.

He observed that nearly 20,000 Pakistani students are pursuing education in Australia, while the Pakistani diaspora continues to contribute positively to Australian society.

He further noted that more than 80 Australian companies are currently operating in Pakistan and said both countries possess vast potential for cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, information technology, and trade.

Referring to climate change as a shared global challenge, Gilani appreciated Australia’s support to Pakistan in areas of disaster resilience, water management, and agricultural cooperation, particularly in the wake of devastating floods.

The chairman Senate expressed confidence that Pakistan-Australia friendship would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead and called for closer parliamentary, economic, and cultural engagement between the two nations for a peaceful and prosperous future.

“Long live Pakistan-Australia friendship,” he remarked.