By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Speaker Asad Qaiser has said that Pakistan believed in friendly relations with all neighbouring countries and added that Afghanistan and Azerbaijan are brotherly Islamic countries and enjoyed cordial relations based upon ties of mutual religious, socio-economic, cultural and economic ties.
He expressed these views while talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Afghanistan Mr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan and Ambassador-Designate to Azerbijan Mr. Bilal Hayee who called on him separately on Thursday, Islamabad.
The Speaker said that Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoys long lasting historical relations. He remarked that enhancing bilateral trade and relations with Afghanistan are the priority of this government. He said that Non-Tariff Barriers in the trade between both countries must be eliminated at the earliest.
He remarked that in the history of Parliament this is the first time that an executive committee has been established under Pakistan Afghanistan Friendship Group and this committee has been successful to remove bottlenecks on the border points between both countries. He said that committee recommendations need to be implemented.
He expressed his confidence that ambassador has vast diplomatic experience and Pakistan Embassy in Kabul would work diligently under his leadership. He stressed on the Ambassador in Afghanistan to utilize all his expertise for the furtherance of these relations. He said that Parliament of Pakistan would ensure to have strong parliamentary relations with both countries
Later on talking to Ambassador-designate of Pakistan in Azerbaijan, the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that Azerbaijan and Pakistan has strong mutual relations on the basis of Islamic values and trade. He said that Parliamentary contacts between both nations are on the verge of new start. He expressed his confidence that the ambassador with his acumen would make these relations more fruitful for both nations.
Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmed Khan expressed his gratitude to the Speaker for reposing trust in his capabilities. He resolved to fully utilize all his diplomatic experience and expertise Pakistani relations with Afghanistan more productive. He said that Pakistan always desire to economic and trade relations between both counties and he with his team would try to realize this dream.
Ambassador-Designate of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, Mr. Bilal Hayee also expressed his gratitude to the Speaker and resolved to make parliamentary contacts between both nations more meaningful. He said that enhancing cooperation between the two countries in energy and trade sector would be his special focus.
