ISLAMABAD: High commissioners of Au
stralia and Canada to
Pakistan called on National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House to discuss a wide range of issues including enhancing parliamentary and economic ties
between
Pakistan and their respective countries.
Talking to Au
stralian High Commissioner to
Pakistan Margaret Adamson, the speaker remarked that
Pakistan’s political leadership was committed to cement Pak-Au
stralian political engagement for strengthening democratic governance. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of political and economic cooperation
between the two countries. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underlined the need for expansion of economic relations through sustained engagement of chambers of commerce and other business forums. He urged the need for substantial and concrete engagement on pressing issues prevalent in the region and beyond.
The speaker said that
Pakistani political and military leadership had demonstrated an unflinching commitment to eliminate terrorism from its soil. Referring to cementing cooperation with Au
stralia, the speaker remarked that parliamentary engagement
between the two nations as the bedrock of robust relations and further urged the need for regular exchange of parliamentary delegat
ions.
Margaret Adamson endorsed Ayaz Sadiq’s proposal for regular exchange of parliamentary delegations and cementing people-to-people contacts. She
acknowledged
Pakistan’s sacrifices in war-on-terror and added that Au
stralia would continue to support
Pakistan at regional as well as international level in its endeavours for promoting peace, democracy and economic development.
Talking to the Canadian High Commissioner to
Pakistan Perry John Calderwood, the speaker said that
Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Canada and keen to further strengthen them through parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people and economic contacts. He underlined the need for enhanced interaction
between parliamentarians of the two countries.
He said that relations
between
Pakistan and Canada were based on mutual goodwill and understanding as well as converging views on important global issues. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that mutual understanding and cooperation will further strengthen relations
between both countries. Democracy in
Pakistan is fully entrenched and the present government is committed to the welfare of its people, he added. The speaker said that parliament comprised of progressive forces and was on the same page on issues concerning masses.
John Calderwood appreciated the speaker’s remarks and said that his country also attached importance to its relations with
Pakistan and wanted to further strengthen it through diversification of economic and parliamentary ties. He assured the speaker that engagement
between parliamentarians would actively continue in the days ahead. He appreciated the contributions of
Pakistani expatriates residing in Canada in strengthening the economy and development of Canada.
Published in Daily Times, November 18th 2017.