ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday stressed the need for regular interaction between the political and parliamentary leadership of Pakistan and Russia to build a bridge of understanding and friendship between both the countries.
He said that constant trade and diplomatic engagement from both ends had added depth to the existing relations.
Ayaz Sadiq said this while talking to a parliamentary delegation headed by Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Security and Counter Corruption of the Russian Federation V I Piskarev, who called on him on Tuesday.
Convener Pakistan-Russia Friendship Group Marvi Memon and Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan Alexey Y Dedov were also present on the occasion.
The NA speaker said that Pakistan considered Russia a valuable friend who had been excellent partners in economic and infrastructure development in Pakistan. He said that he would always endeavour to strengthen the ties between the legislatures of the two countries.
He also pointed out that both the countries shared similar views on various international issues and were already supporting each other on global issues.
He emphasised the need to establish closer cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to effectively combat the menaces of drug trafficking and terrorism, while ensuring peace and stability in the region. He informed the Russian delegation that Pakistan was focusing on tackling terrorism in the region and finding ways to connect with each other.
“Speakers from China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan will jointly focus on these common causes in Islamabad from December 23 to 26, and will pave the way for a new era of development and prosperity in the region,” Ayaz Sadiq said.
He said that vast opportunities for Pakistan and Russia were available in economic and trade sectors that could provide long-term benefits for both the countries. He stressed upon the need of further boosting the ties between Pakistan and Russia in trade, business, energy, defence, textile, metallurgy, manufacturing and other sectors.
V I Piskarev supported Ayaz Sadiq’s view to hold a conference in Pakistan devoted to connectivity, security issues and fight against terrorism with the participation of Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and Afghanistan.
He said that Pak-Russia cooperation was highly central for tackling regional challenges, including terrorism, drug trafficking and maintaining regional stability. He also added that Russia attached immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and assured that Russia was ready to assist Pakistan in diverse fields.
