Baku, 17 May 2022 (TDI): Speaker of the National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf called for collective efforts to lead the region to economic prosperity.
The speaker spoke at the 3rd General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO), “Cooperation in Post-Pandemic Period: Challenges and Opportunities for Recovery,” in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Speaker National Assembly @RPAPPP in his address at 3rd General Conference of #PAECO underscored the importance of Parliamentary cooperation & diplomacy especially during post-COVID era.#PAECO_22 @AzEmbPak @PakinAzerbaijan 🇵🇰🇦🇿 @NASpeakerOffice @PTVNewsOfficial @appcsocialmedia pic.twitter.com/pxjthq8qwA
— National Assembly of Pakistan🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) May 17, 2022
Urging representatives to address issues faced by people
PAECO members, he noted, have a single goal of advancement and prosperity and the body has evolved into a solid parliamentary framework for promoting shared economic success principles. He claims that our civilizations are intertwined by centuries of shared history, ethnocultural connections, and linguistic relationships since our people share so much.
He stated that it is their responsibility as representatives of the public to handle any issues that affect ordinary people. According to him, the Pandemic revealed the country’s failing health system and a shrinking economy. He stated that regional collaboration is critical in addressing COVID-19’s challenges.
Ashraf, referring to the enormous natural potential, remarked that ten nations in the ECO area have no shortage of resources, skill, or potential, yet we still turn externally for solutions to our regional problems.
He said that the ECO region is home to three of the Seventeen nations that possess the majority of the world’s energy riches, notably crude oil, natural gas, and coal. The 10 ECO nations, which account for little more than half of the 478 million people in the European Union, are mired in violence, poverty, and darkness. He claims that the ECO area has a combined market of 500 million people, accounting for 10% of the world’s population.
Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf appealed to all the leaders as the representatives of the people, to find a clear answer to the anguish of their people. He stated that building an agreement and helping create a new chapter of shared prosperity for the region was an issue at hand.
He emphasized working together to find answers to global and regional concerns for the welfare of our people.
On Kashmir
He underlined the predicament of the people of Kashmir, where defenseless people are faced with continuing torture, discrimination, and denial of their birthright of self-determination.
On Afghanistan
He also stated that Afghanistan is an essential member of this organization and that regional peace requires peace in Afghanistan. He stated that Pakistan has repeatedly stated its fundamental policy position that there is no military solution to the Afghan problem, asking all parties to re-engage in discussions for a sustainable settlement. Now, he believes is the time to form a relationship for mutual growth and collaboration.
Gratitude to the Speaker Milli Majlis
He extended his gratitude to Speaker Sahiba Ghafarova, her Parliament, and the Azerbaijani government for their warm welcome and superb conference preparations. He stated that the success of the summit demonstrates the member countries’ dedication to the ECO’s principles and growth. “Founded in 2013 in Islamabad, PAECO was also revived by us in Pakistan last year, when seven out of ten Member Parliaments signed the PAECO Charter and five of them ratified it,” he added.
