The U.S. Political Counsellor Shelley Saxen met Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at Parliament House in Islamabad for a wide-ranging discussion on US Pakistan relations, regional developments and opportunities to expand parliamentary cooperation.
Chairman Senate Gilani described the bilateral relationship as a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, rooted in mutual respect and shared objectives. He noted the positive momentum from recent high-level engagements and highlighted the strong economic and trade partnership with the United States, calling it one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and the biggest destination for Pakistani exports. He also pointed to a substantial U.S. investment footprint in Pakistan, with nearly 80 U.S. enterprises operating in the country and providing employment for an estimated 120,000–150,000 people, and invited new investment in agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals, and energy.
On regional stability, Gilani welcomed the proactive role of President Donald Trump and his administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding after the April–May 2025 military standoff, while stressing Pakistan’s commitment to constructive relations with neighbouring states. He reiterated that Pakistan must safeguard its strategic and conventional capabilities in the face of India’s assertive posture and said that lasting peace hinges on a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, the Chairman Senate underscored that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for decades and called for renewed international attention and cooperative solutions to the refugee situation, urging partners to work together to address the challenge.
Discussing parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani recalled a U.S. Congressional delegation visit in April 2025 and briefed the counsellor on the inter-parliamentary speakers’ conference held last month, where the theme Peace, Security and development underscored the link between the three priorities. Both sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people contacts, cultural and educational cooperation and to continue institutional engagement on trade, investment, health and education to deepen US Pakistan relations for mutual benefit.
