Pak-Russia parliamentary interaction central to robust cooperation:NA Speaker

ISLAMABAD, April 21: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that parliamentary interaction was central to robust cooperation between Pakistan and Russian Federation.
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.
According to a message received from Moscow, he expressed these views while speaking to his Russian counterpart, Chairman of the State Duma, Mr. Sergey Yevgenyevich Naryshkin on the sidelines of first conference of the Speakers of Parliament of Eurasia being held in Moscow, Russia.
While speaking to Mr. Naryshkin, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan considered Russia a valuable friend who had been partner in economic and infrastructure development in Pakistan. He said that constant engagement from either side had added depth to the existing relations.
He outlined that new regional blocks and structures were emerging to address issues that were global in nature. Urging the need for comprehensive cooperation between both the countries, Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that terrorism, climate change, energy crunch and diseases had profoundly constrained the region and stressed on the need for collaboration in addressing these challenges.
The Speaker said that he endeavored to strengthen the ties between the legislatures of the two countries. The Speaker informed the Chairman of the State Duma that Pakistan-Russia Friendship group had been established in National Assembly and interaction between parliamentarians through this forum could play an important role in creating better understanding between both the countries.
Apart from parliamentary cooperation, the Speaker underlined the need for deepening people to people contacts, business and economic ties and defense cooperation as part of larger framework for robust Pak-Russia relations.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq informed Mr. Sergey Yevgenyevich Naryshkin that people of Pakistan desired cordial and comprehensive relations with Russia. He elaborated that Pakistan’s geographical location, economic turnaround and its renewed vigor for fostering regional connectivity could offer immense opportunities for Russian investment in Pakistan. He said that both countries could strengthen bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in trade and commerce sectors.
Sergey Yevgenyevich Naryshkin stated that Pak-Russia cooperation was highly central for tackling regional challenges including terrorism, drug trafficking and regional stability. He added that Russia attached immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and assured that Russia was ready to assist Pakistan in diverse fields including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, defense and education.
He underlined the need for diversification of bilateral relations and effective collaboration on various international forums. -DNA