Islamabad June 11, 2014: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region. He said that Pakistan believes in mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors. He was talking to Mr. Janan Mosazai, Ambassador of Afghanistan in Parliament House this afternoon.

The Speaker said that both the countries were tied in eternal bonds of brotherhood, religion, culture and history. He said that by active engagement of parliamentarians of the two countries, bilateral relations would further improve and strengthened.

The Speaker expressed his satisfaction on the pace of broadening and deepen bilateral ties with an emphasis on trade and economic cooperation, energy and infrastructure development. He said that Pakistan is committed to accelerate the realization of trans-regional projects including CASA-1000 and TAPI gas pipeline.

The Speaker said that Pakistan would continue to support an inclusive, Afghan led and Afghan owned peace and reconciliation process. He said that Pakistan had and would support its Afghan brethren staying in Pakistan. He urged the International community to create conducive environment to their early return to their homeland.

Later, High commissioner of Australia Mr. Peter Heyward called on Speaker in Parliament House. Various issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen existing bilateral relations between legislatures of both the countries came under discussion.

The Speaker said that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Australia and desired to further strengthen through cooperation in diverse sectors. He informed the High Commissioner that present the Parliament consisted political forces having moderate, progressive and enlightened outlook and was working for the welfare of masses. He asked for exchange of parliamentary delegations for sharing experiences and parliamentary practices. He stressed the need for widening cooperation particularly in manufacturing, agriculture and livestock sectors.

The High Commissioner said that Australia also values its relations with Pakistan and wants to further cement them through enhancing parliamentary as well as cooperation in diverse fields. He said that his government believes in a strong and stable Pakistan which was in the interest of the region. He said that Australian Parliament also wants to enhance its cooperation with National Assembly of Pakistan and his Australian counterpart was waiting for see him in Australia.