Pakistan is urging Bosnia and Herzegovina to significantly expand economic and parliamentary relations, with Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani extending a formal invitation for Bosnian investors to utilize the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and for a parliamentary delegation to attend a major international conference in Islamabad next month.
During a meeting with Bosnian Ambassador Emin Cohodrevica at the Parliament House on Wednesday, the Senate Chairman highlighted that the relationship between the two nations is historic, founded on mutual respect and shared values. He recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence and provided substantial support during its most difficult periods.
Mr. Gilani paid tribute to the resilience of the Bosnian people and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed gratitude for the assistance Bosnia provided to Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods, underscoring a history of mutual aid.
To further strengthen legislative collaboration, Mr. Gilani emphasized the crucial role of parliamentary friendship groups. He formally invited a Bosnian parliamentary delegation to visit Pakistan to share legislative experiences and stressed that enhancing people-to-people contacts is essential for deepening the bilateral bond.
The Chairman identified vast opportunities for expanding economic partnerships in sectors such as trade, investment, textiles, tourism, agriculture, and food processing. He suggested that youth exchange programs, sports collaborations, and linkages between universities would further solidify the friendship between the two countries.
A key focus of the discussion was the SIFC, which Mr. Gilani described as a well-integrated platform designed to facilitate foreign investment. He also invited a Bosnian delegation to the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), scheduled for November 11-12 in Islamabad. He noted that the conference, themed ‘Peace, Security and Development,’ would be an important forum for addressing shared challenges.
In his remarks, Ambassador Cohodrevica thanked the government, people, and Parliament of Pakistan for their enduring support. He specifically recalled the moral and diplomatic backing provided during challenging times and paid tribute to the late Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for her 1994 visit to Bosnia, describing Pakistan as a vital country in the region.