Qasim Khan Suri said that Pakistan attached high importance to further strengthening and deepening relations with Austria, especially in fields of education and parliamentary cooperation. He briefed about the effectiveness of the smart lockdown policy of Prime Minister Imran Khan during covid-19. He also invited Wolfgang Sobotka to visit Pakistan at his convenience.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri also urged the Austrian Speaker to ask the Austrian Government for revision of travel advisory on Pakistan as the security situation in Pakistan had been normalized. He said that it would help and encourage the Austrian corporate leaders and investors to visit Pakistan and exploit opportunities in a very investment-friendly regime.

Talking about recent developments in Afghanistan, he said that peace and stability in Afghanistan were vital for Pakistan and the region. Pakistan has extended its fullest cooperation and worked with the international community for evacuation efforts from Afghanistan. He emphasized an inclusive government in Kabul representing all segments of Afghanistan and respect for fundamental human rights including women's rights. He stated that Pakistan could not afford any further instability in Afghanistan leading to more refugees’ influx and other serious security challenges.

Wolfgang Sobotka recognized the importance of bilateral relations with Pakistan and agreed to work together to further strengthening it. He thanked Pakistan for the facilitation of the evacuation of Austrian nationals from Afghanistan. He also agreed to continue mutual cooperation with Pakistan at multilateral fora and support each other’s candidatures.

The Deputy Speaker is currently on an official visit to Austria for participation in the 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.


Vienna
8 September 2021