ISLAMABAD
Chairman Senate of Pakistan Yousaf Raza Gillani hosted a reception in Islamabad in honour of His Highness Prince Édouard de Ligne La Trémoïlle and Her Highness Princess Isabella Orsini de Ligne La Trémoïlle of the Belgian Royal Family during their visit to Pakistan.
The reception was attended by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar, Members of the National Assembly Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, Syed Ali Qasim Gilani, Alauddin Junejo and Sharmila Faruqui, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States to Pakistan Natalie Baker, Amir Sheikh from the Pakistani diaspora in Europe, parliamentarians, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
Welcoming the esteemed royal guests to Islamabad, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said it was a matter of great honour for Pakistan to host distinguished members of the Belgian Royal Family. He remarked that the visit was not merely a reflection of diplomatic engagement, but also a symbol of friendship, goodwill and mutual respect between the peoples of Pakistan and Belgium. He stated that the Belgian Royal Family is regarded among Europe’s oldest and most respected royal houses, adding that the visit of the royal guests would further strengthen the message of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. He noted that Pakistan greatly values Belgium as a trusted friend and an important partner within the European Union.
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people contacts, the Chairman Senate observed that enduring relations between nations are built not only through agreements and institutions, but also through cultural harmony, personal connections and meaningful dialogue. He said the royal delegation’s visit represented an excellent example of diplomacy founded on mutual respect, trust and shared values.
Referring to Pakistan’s ancient civilisation, cultural diversity and traditions of hospitality, he expressed hope that the distinguished guests would experience firsthand the warmth, sincerity and affection of the people of Pakistan.
Speaking on bilateral relations, Chairman Senate Gilani said that ties between Pakistan and Belgium are based on decades of trust, constructive cooperation and international collaboration. He highlighted that cooperation between the two countries continues to grow in diverse fields including trade, parliamentary exchanges, education, culture and development partnership.
He further stated that although Pakistan and Belgium are geographically distant, both countries share a common belief in dialogue, peace, democratic values and collective prosperity.
