Islamabad: March 14, 2017; Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan and Yemen are tied in eternal bonds of religion and culture; therefore steps may be taken for further solidifying the existing brotherly relations between two countries. He was speaking to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen Mr. Abdulmalik Abduljalil Almekhlafi, who called on him in Parliament House, Islamabad today.

The Speaker said that Pakistan has always supported the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen and would continue to extend all possible assistance for restoration of complete peace and stability in country.He further added that the menace of terrorism posed common threat in the region and could only be defeated through coordinated efforts by all countries.

Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen Mr. Abdulmalik Abduljalil Almekhlafi thanked the Speaker for his kind words and said that Yemen also considers Pakistan one of its close friends. He briefed Speaker about the current situation and also discussed issues related to serious humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Later on, Women Parliamentary delegation of Iran headed by Ms. Parvaneh Salahshouri and Ms. AghaporAlishshi called on Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Talking to the delegation, Speaker said that stronger Pak-Iran relation is inevitable for regional peace, security and prosperity. He highlighted that lifting of sanctions will pave the way for revival of economic and commercial relationship between Pakistan and Iran.

He added that Iran and Pakistan are intertwined by stronger multi-dimensional relations. Appreciating Iran’s geo-political significance, he remarked that Iran’s role is central to unifying the Muslim world and underlined the need for pro-active parliamentary diplomacy to further cooperation amongst the Muslim countries.

Iranian Member Parliament Ms. Parvaneh Salahshouri conveyed her firm commitment to collaborate with Pakistan’s parliament in quest of more robust and diversified relations between the two countries. She added that Iran consider Pakistan as its partner for peace in the region and expressed his hope that in future both nations will continue to chart the paths of prosperity together.

She reiterated Ayaz Sadiq’s proposal for diversification of trade and economic relations and urged for comprehensive engagement of the Parliamentary committees to explore the avenues for mutual cooperation.