ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq discussed matters of forging deeper
relationship with Azerbaijan, Egypt
and Sri Lanka in separate meetings with their envoys on Thursday.
He called for diversification of trade and economic
relations to assign substantive meanings to bilateral cooperation.
Speaking to Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada, he remarked that Pakistan’s quest for regional outreach to Central Asian Republic attaches paramount importance to vitality of its
relations with Azerbaijan. He added that both the countries have extended unflinching support to each other at various international forums on the issues of Kashmir and Nagorno Karabakh respectively.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commi
tment to enhance bilateral
relations, Ayaz underlined the need for diversification of trade, economic and parliamentary
relations to assign substantive meanings to bilateral collaboration. He said that both the countries have commonalities of views and perceptions on various regional and international issues. The speaker stressed the need for enhancing cooperation between the legislatures of brotherly countries.
Alizada appreciated Pakistan’s gesture of friendship with Azerbaijan and the political leadership of Azerbaijan is committed to strengthen its ties with Pakistan. He also reciprocated Azerbaijan’s commi
tment to an enduring, comprehensive, diversified and warm
relations with Pakistan manifested in trade and economic dividends for both nations. The envoy also called for instilling new vitality in inter-parliamentary
relations.
Separately, in a meeting with Ambassador of Egypt Sherif Shaheen, the speaker said Pakistan and Egypt cherish warm bilateral
relations deeply rooted in religious, cultural affini
ties and aspirations to play a role to address divisions within the M
uslim world. He informed the dignitary that Pakistan seeks to play a larger role to prevent M
uslim world’s descent into factions, violence, instability and underdevelopment. Ayaz underlined the need for comprehensive engagement between the two countries in areas of reforms in education, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting genuine human development. The Speaker also invited his Egyptian counterpart to visit Pakistan with their parliamentary delegation.
Shaheen acknowledged Pakistan’s endeavours for promoting unity among the M
uslim nations and expressed his hope that Pakistan and Egypt will continue to partner for a stable, peaceful and progressive M
uslim world. He endorsed Ayaz’s proposal for collaboration to promote sustainable patterns of governance and assist each other in institutional building for effective governance.
Later, talking to High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Ayaz appreciated Pakistan-Sri Lanka
relations based on mutual interest and aspirations for a peaceful South Asian region. The speaker highlighted that Pakistan highly count on friendly
relations with Sri Lanka in its quest to promote peace in the region and strengthen cooperation within the SAARC. He reiterated Pakistan’s commi
tment to facilitate people-to-people contacts and enhance parliamentary engagement with Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Jayanath Lokuketagodage said Sri Lanka attaches great value to its
relations with Pakistan and will continue to partner with Pakistan in diversification of trade and economic
relations. He remarked that Sri Lanka shares Pakistan’s concern for equitable growth and sustainable development in South Asian region.