Cooperation Can Be Enhanced in Education, Skilled Workforce, Technical Training and Employment, Says National Assembly Speaker
Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi):
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met with Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Dostál at Parliament House, where they discussed Pakistan-EU bilateral relations, parliamentary ties, the regional and global situation, and various matters of mutual interest.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the European Union and emphasized the need to further strengthen parliamentary contacts between the two sides.
He said cooperation could be enhanced in the fields of education, skilled manpower, technical and vocational training, and employment. Pakistan, he added, possesses a large pool of talented and skilled human resources from which the European Union could benefit.
The National Assembly Speaker appreciated the reforms and development initiatives undertaken in various sectors in Punjab, particularly progress in teacher training and technical and vocational education.
He said climate change is a global challenge that requires joint, coordinated and effective measures. Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, despite having a very small share in global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Speaker said the Green Parliament initiative established in the National Assembly is a practical demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental protection, efficient energy use and the promotion of renewable energy. He noted that Pakistan’s Parliament has been fully shifted to solar energy.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the current National Assembly has made significant progress in legislation, parliamentary reforms and matters of public importance. He highlighted the establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Parliamentary Caucus on Children and the Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat as important parliamentary initiatives.
Regarding regional and global peace, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan seeks sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the region and across the world. He said Pakistan gives priority to dialogue and diplomatic means for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts.
He added that Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting dialogue between Iran and the United States reflect the country’s commitment to peace and regional stability.
Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Dostál appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace, parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation. He said friendly relations based on mutual respect and cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union are highly important.
He also praised the natural beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in education, human resource development, climate change, sustainable development and other areas of mutual interest.