Gilani, Austria’s federal council chief vow to strengthen parliamentary ties

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held a bilateral meeting in Vienna with Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler, President of the Federal Council of Austria, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthening parliamentary ties, fostering cooperation in key sectors, and enhancing bilateral relations.

According to the Senate Secretariat, the Senate chairman conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan, emphasising the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation.

Both leaders acknowledged the steady progress in Pakistan-Austria relations and discussed avenues for expanding inter-parliamentary collaboration through the Pakistan-Austria Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The Senate chairman appreciated Austria’s support in establishing Pakistan’s Parliamentary budget office and urged continued technical assistance and knowledge exchange. He also highlighted Austria’s contributions in higher education, particularly through the Pakistan-Austria Fachhochschule-Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) in Haripur, and discussed opportunities for expanding academic and research collaborations.

The discussion touched upon Austria’s expertise in renewable energy, industrial development, and hydroelectric power, with an emphasis on forging stronger economic and trade partnerships. The Senate chairman underscored Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development and called for joint efforts in tackling global challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, and technical education.

The role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was also highlighted as a key initiative for promoting investment and economic collaboration between Pakistan and Austria. The Senate chairman reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive regional development and welcomed Austria’s cooperation in this regard.

Gilani also spoke about the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Austria. He recalled the contributions of Muhammad Asad, formerly Leopold Weiss, an Austrian-born scholar who embraced Islam and played a significant role in Pakistan’s early nation-building.

Asad was granted Pakistan’s first full citizenship and contributed to constitutional recommendations before serving as Pakistan’s Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Nations in 1952. The Senate chairman paid tribute to Begum Viqarunnisa Noon, an Austrian-born figure who converted to Islam upon marrying Sir Feroz Khan Noon, Pakistan’s seventh prime minister. She played a pivotal role in the Pakistan movement, symbolising resilience and commitment to the country’s progress.

The Senate chairman extended an invitation to Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler to visit Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s desire to enhance parliamentary cooperation and foster a strong partnership with Austria.