Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon hosts reception in honour of the Chairman Senate

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Canadian High Commissioner MS. Leslie Scanlon hosted a reception in honour of the Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at her residence Islamabad.

Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, security, and cultural exchanges. The Chairman Senate underscored the significance of continued dialogue and collaboration to further deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Canada. Chairman Senate also highlighted importance of parliamentary and other high level exchanges.

He called for enhanced exchanges and people to people contacts to promote understanding. The issue of Afghan refugees was also discussed. He also appreciated the active role played by minority communities in Pakistan.

Regarding visa process, the Senate chairman called for expediting the processing and issuance systems to facilitate the applicants. He also appreciated Canadian support in the field of education while calling introducing women-specific scholarships to enable the women folk to get an opportunities to study in renowned Canadian universities. Chairman Senate also underlined the need for increasing trade and business linkages.

He said that both the countries have historically enjoyed cordial relations and there is a dire need to explore new avenues of cooperation in diverse areas. Chairman Senate and Canadian High Commissioner expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations.