ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Pakistan–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group was held at the Parliament House in Islamabad.
The session was chaired by the group’s Deputy Convener and MNA, Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, with the Ambassador of Thailand Rongvudhhi Virabutr attending as a special guest.
Opening the discussion, Nawabzada Jamal Khan Raisani said the initiative taken by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to revitalize the friendship group was a timely step that would strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and people-to-people contacts.
Referring to the Gandhara civilization as a shared historical connection, he emphasized Pakistan’s interest in closer collaboration with Thailand in education, trade, tourism, information technology, and skills development. He also suggested the formation of a similar group in the Thai Parliament to further cement bilateral ties.
Ambassador Virabutr welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to stronger relations and noted Thailand’s eagerness to double trade volumes, boost tourism and cultural cooperation, and expand business linkages.
He pointed to the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying traditional areas of cooperation such as fisheries, sports goods, and auto parts could be complemented by emerging opportunities in services and the halal food industry.
The two sides also underlined the need for more direct flights, simplified visa procedures, and an improved business environment to support greater economic activity.
Concluding the session, members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group reiterated their determination to advance relations through parliamentary engagement and practical cooperation.
They expressed confidence that sustained interaction between lawmakers would help bring the two nations closer and further consolidate their longstanding partnership.
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