By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday emphasized that unity and mutual cooperation among Muslim countries are essential for the progress, prosperity and stability of the Muslim world.
During meeting with the six-member Parliamentary delegation led by Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail at the Parliament House, he warmly welcomed the Malaysian Interior Minister and the visiting delegation.
The meeting focused on the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, bilateral cooperation, parliamentary ties and matters of mutual interest.
Welcoming the delegation, Ayaz Sadiq underscored the signifucance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia. He said that regular parliamentary exchanges and interaction between parliamentarians of the two countries would contribute to consolidate bilateral ties. Ths Speaker He said that Parliamentary Friendship Groups could play an important role in promoting greater parliamentary interaction and cooperation.
Ayaz Sadiq also said that both countries have vast potential for enhancing trade, investment and business-to-business linkages between the two countries. He emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation in education, trade and other areas of mutual interest, while strengthening people-to-people ties. Ayaz sadiq also said that Pakistan desires peace and priorities diplomacy for resolution of conflicts.
He stressed that all countries must demonstrate responsibility and utilise diplomatic means to achieve lasting peace in the region. The Speaker also said that Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed to Afghanistan its concerns over the targeting of innocent Pakistani citizens from Afghan soil.
He expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Ayaz Sadiq said that the world is facing a serious global challenge that requires coordinated and collective efforts by the international community.
Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail thanked Ayaz Sadiq for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation and appreciated the close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Malaysia.
He remarked that Pakistan is a beautiful country and Islamabad is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Malaysian Interior Minister also emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. He stressed that the international community should give greater focus to diplomacy and dialogue for the promotion of global peace and stability.
He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and diplomacy amid recent regional tensions and acknowledged its role in promoting regional peace. The Malaysian delegation appreciated the joint efforts to promote people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Both sides expressed their resolve to further strengthen people-to-people, parliamentary and economic ties between the two countries. Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry was also present on the occasion.
