PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, August 25, 2026: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC), hosted by the Senate and the Royal Government of Cambodia.The Senate chairman was warmly received upon arrival by senior officials of the Cambodian Senate and government, including Senator Man Chhour, Vice Chairman of the Senate Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, Religious Affairs, Culture, Fine Arts and Tourism; Ben Votthya, Director General of the Department of Legal Services and Collective Territory at the Secretariat General of the Senate of Cambodia; Senator Sles Panayaman; and Deputy Governor of Kandal Province Nop Dara.Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, was also present on the occasion.
Chairman Gilani thanked the Senate and Royal Government of Cambodia for hosting the conference, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation, meaningful dialogue and joint efforts for peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development among nations.The first Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference was held in Pakistan in November 2025, while Cambodia is hosting the second edition, reflecting growing parliamentary partnership and cooperation between participating countries.Senator Sles Panayaman said Cambodia was honoured to host the conference under the leadership of Chairman Gilani. He highlighted the longstanding and cordial relationship between Gilani and Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, describing their decades-long ties as a strong foundation for friendship and trust between the two parliaments.
Chairman Gilani is scheduled to address a plenary session of the conference, where he will underscore the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, inclusion and effective collective responses to regional and global challenges.On the sidelines of the conference, the Senate chairman is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders and heads of delegations from participating countries. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan’s active participation in the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference underscores its commitment to promoting regional and global peace through multilateralism, dialogue and stronger parliamentary engagement.Upon reaching his hotel, Chairman Gilani was also warmly received by ISC Secretary-General Eknath Dhakal and members of the conference secretariat.
