Dec 12 , 2015
News
Rabbani for Asian Parliament to deal with challenges
ISLAMABAD: To collectively deal with issues confronting Asian states, creation of Asian Parliament is inevitable, said Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, leading the Pakistani delegation that actively participated in the 8th plenary session of Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In his address, Rabbani highlighted the significance of desired unity within the Asian states. He criticised West for maintaining double standards in dealing with Muslim and Asian countries and said that this was the root cause that instigated people to join terrorist banned organisations. The Senate chairman said that chaos and mayhem, being faced by many countries, is a result of forced regime changes by foreign state and non-state actors. Therefore, creation of an Asian Parliament, to collectively deal with such issues, has become inevitable, he added. The delegation highlighted Pakistan’s view point on issues faced by Asian region and gave a way forward to work for regional integration and overcome challenges. He also presided over the Executive Council Meeting of the APA, in which he endorsed and recommended 18 draft resolutions of the three APA standing committees. The 8th APA plenary session was formally inaugurated on December 9, which was attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN Sen. The speakers and parliamentarians from 22 member states and international organisations attended the event. Rabbani handed over the APA presidency to Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG Samrin, who shall remain the APA president for next two years. On the sidelines of APA, Rabbani held a meeting with Cambodian President Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei SAY Chhum, and discussed means to enhance parliamentary relations between the two countries. Both the leaders agreed to translate the existing potential in all areas of mutual cooperation. He also exchanged views with the Cambodian prime minister. Both leaders agreed to enhance parliamentary cooperation and collaboration in different fields for mutual benefits of the two countries. Rabbani stated that Pakistan places its bilateral relations with Cambodia in high esteem and desires to strengthen cooperation at parliamentary, trade and economic levels. He pointed out that Asia is passing through an important phase and is faced with common challenges. APA, he said, is a forum, which provides an opportunity to the parliamentarians to discuss and debate the mutual challenges. He underscored the need to chalk out a viable strategy to counter these challenges and resolve issues through dialogues and discussions and make collective efforts for progress and prosperity of the people of Asia. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Senator Rubina Khalid and Senator Muhammad Ali Khan Saif accompanied the Senate chairman.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk