Islamabad: March 29, 2015; Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan Murtaza Javed Abbasi has met with Mr. Chen Zhu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Congress and Sheikh Dr. Humam Hamoudi, First Deputy Speaker of Council of Representatives of Republic of Iraq on the sidelines of the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly meeting in Hanoi, according to a message received from Vietnam. During these meetings, a number of issues of common interest between the countries and ways of strengthening relations were discussed in cordial atmosphere.

 

Talking to the Chinese counterpart, the Deputy Speaker said that that friendship between Pakistan and China is time tested and has roots in history. This fact cannot be denied that China has always been a friend in need and stood by Pakistan in difficult times. The Deputy Speaker underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians of both the countries for further cementing the fraternal relations between the two countries. He said that establishment of Pak-China Economic corridor would be beneficial for both the countries. He said that present government is committed to bring the region in mainstream by providing economic activity, education and provision of basic amenities. He further said that establishment of Pak-China Economic Corridor is a step forward in relation of the commitment of the incumbent political leadership of China and Pakistan.

 

Mr. Chen Zhu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Congress said that Chinese government always regards Pakistan its closest friend and wants to further deepen China-Pakistan friendship and pass it on from generation to generation. He assured that China would carry on its perpetual support to Pakistan whenever required. He said that China would assist Pakistan in exploitation of its immense economic potential through public and private investment in diverse fields.

 

While talking to the Deputy Speaker of Council of Representatives of Iraq, Murtaza Javed Abbasi said that Pakistan and Iraq are intertwined in eternal bonds of religion, brotherhood and culture and give immense importance to its relations with Iraq. He said that the bonds of brotherhood could further be cemented through parliamentary friendship. He said that terrorism and extremism are the common problems confronting Pakistan and Iraq and we will have to counter these problems united.

 

Sheikh Dr. Humam Hamoudi, Deputy Speaker of Council of Representatives of Republic of Iraq, acknowledging the sentiments of the Deputy Speaker and said that Iraq also considers immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and wants to further strengthen them. He said that law and order situation in Iraq has largely improved and the government is actively pursuing the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. He said that parliamentary relations between both the countries would induce impetus to strengthening of existing bilateral relations.