ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Sardar Muhammad Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan considers France an important friend and wishes to further enhance bilateral and parliamentary relations, as well as, multilateral cooperation with it.
He expressed these views during his meeting with a five-member French parliamentary delegation headed by the France-Pakistan Friendship Group President, Mr Jean-Bernard Sempastous, here on Monday.
Refereeing to Pakistan-France relations, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized the role of parliamentarians in cementing bilateral relations between the two countries. “Parliamentarians through PFG can play an important role in bringing the two countries closer.”
The national assembly speaker said that Pakistan is heading towards its real destination as it has taken off on the road of development and progress. He said that the Pakistani nation is committed to eliminating terrorism and unparalleled achievements have been made due to decisions that were taken with the consensus of the military and civilian leadership.
“Terrorism and extremism are the biggest threats to peace and stability and it can be countered by closer cooperation amongst the stakeholders,” said the speaker. He underlined that the peace and stability in Pakistan were inextricably linked with that of Afghanistan.
Ayaz Sadiq stated that Pakistan is the France’s second largest trading partner in South Asia and the relationship between the two countries derives its strength from people-to-people contacts. He urged for the expansion and diversification of trade relations and the strengthening of “Pakistan-France Business Alliance”. He also urged for more robust cooperation in scientific research, energy, environment, education and governance.
Mr Jean-Bernard Sempastous said that France also wanted to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in all sectors of the economy. He added that Pakistan’s advances and contribution in the global war on terror deserve appreciation and assured the Ayaz Saqid that France will continue their support for this collective cause. He also endorsed the expansion of cooperation in energy, education, environment and agriculture.
Mr Jean added that France-Pakistan cooperation is highly crucial for tackling evolving challenges in the region and beyond.
