Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, currently leading a fourmember delegation to Rome on behalf of the Prime Minister to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Pope, met with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Deputy Secretary of State of the Holy See, at the Vatican on Monday.
During the meeting, Chairman Gilani warmly recalled his interaction with the Pope at the inauguration ceremony and extended his best wishes for the Pope’s mission ahead, according to a Senates’ press release.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s gratitude for the Pope’s constructive remarks and concern over the recent IndiaPakistan conflict, particularly appreciating the Pope’s call for peace and dialogue in the region.
Archbishop Peña Parra fondly remembered his tenure in Islamabad as the Vatican’s Representative from 2011 to 2015 and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation and dialogue with Pakistan.
Chairman Gilani highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to regional peace, noting that the country has been a victim of terrorism for decades and continues to host 3.5 million Afghan refugees since 1988.
He stressed that a peaceful neighbourhood is in Pakistan’s own interest and reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting peace and prosperity through dialogue.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining close contacts and working together to promote peace and mutual understanding.