Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation pivotal for regional development, says Ayaz Sadiq

ISLMABAD,  April 10 (EPI):  Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, met with Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), at the Parliament House today to discuss ways to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation among ECO member states and other matters of mutual interest.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq felicitated Asad Majeed Khan on his appointment as the Secretary General of ECO. He also expressed confidence that ECO his leadership would strengthen regional collaboration. The Speaker emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering closer ties among ECO member states, stating that stronger cooperation among the parliaments in the region is crucial for sustainable peace and development.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further highlighted Pakistan’s active role in the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO), reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional integration through legislative engagement.

He also said that National Assemby has hosted ECO Parliamentary Assembly twice. He also pointed out that the Interim Secretariat of Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) has been established in the National Assembly Secretariat. and encouraged Dr. Khan to take a proactive approach toward transitioning this it into a permanent secretariat.

The Speaker also commended the role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups in strengthening ties between Pakistan and other ECO member countries.

Secretary General Dr. Asad Majeed Khan thanked Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for his warm welcome and praised his efforts in advancing regional parliamentary relations. He assured the NA Speaker of his full support for the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the PAECO in Islamabad.