ISLAMABAD/BAKU: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has said that parliaments of Asian countries can play an active role to promote regional cooperation through intra-regional trade and economic links.
While addressing the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan on the eve of its 100th anniversary, the Senate chairman said that Asia would become epicenter trade and economic activities, however, a collective approach is needed to overcome the issues being faced by the people of Asian region.
He said that it the responsibility of the Asian leadership to rise to the occasion and work together for socio-economic prosperity of the region.
The Senate chairman underscored the need for enhanced parliamentary cooperation through increased exchanges to provide opportunities to the lawmakers of the two countries to share experiences.
He said that Pakistan places bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and excellent cooperation has been witnessed between both countries at regional and internal forums.
He said that issues of Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir are of similar nature as innocent civilians are being subjected to brutalities and inhuman treatment. He said that Pakistan fully supports Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Referring situation in Indian-held Kashmir, the Senate chairman said that Indian forces have unleashed a reign of terror in the Indian-occupied Kashmir. He said that world must take notice of the human rights violations being committed by the Indian forces.
He said the shared ideological and political stances on major issues of international concerns and coordination between the parliaments of both countries on the platform of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is very important.
Sanjrani also underpinned the significance of liberal visa regime and connectivity for mutual benefit. He termed his visit highly important and hoped that it will contribute to the already fraternal ties.
He congratulated his counterpart and members of the Majlis on centenary of the Azerbaijani parliament.
He also invited delegates from different countries to participate in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) meeting to being held in Gwadar during last week of October 2018.
The chairman Senate sought support of participating countries for election of Pakistan‘s nominee to the position in IPU Standing Committee on United Nation Affairs from Asia Pacific Group.
Sanjrani was accompanied by senators Sardar Muhammad Azam Khan Musakhel, Ayub Afridi and Nighat Mirza during the event.
