Pakistan calls for enhanced cooperation for regional peace

National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf termed the enhanced cooperation vital for regional peace, development and progress, stressing on Friday the need for finding common grounds for ensuring regional security.

The speakers and parliamentarians of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye gathered in Istanbul for the second round of the Trilateral Speakers Conference, hosted by the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Prof Dr Mustafa Sentop.

Ashraf said that finding common grounds for regional security was one of the key agenda items of this trilateral meeting. He called for deliberating and formulating a joint vision for the governments to ensure the regional peace and security.

In this regard, he said, a close cooperation and continued support among the three countries could go a  long way in pursuing a long-term policy of “live and let live” aimed at utilising all means to ensure regional peace and tranquillity.

The National Assembly speaker reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also referred to the adverse effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on regional and global peace.

He noted that the role of Nato in the overall Russia-Ukraine conflict demonstrated the development of new security architecture in Europe and its surrounding regions, with far-reaching consequences for the entire international community.

Addressing the conference earlier, Dr Sentop warmly welcomed the speakers of Azerbaijan and Pakistan and thanked them for their participation. He called for exploring the possible avenues for expanding cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The platform of the Trilateral Speakers Conference could prove instrumental in paving the way for further cementing the existing cordial ties between the three countries,” Dr Sentop told the delegates.

The meeting adopted the Istanbul Declaration, which emphasised the importance of extensive cooperation between the three countries for enhancing regional stability, security and prosperity.

The declaration also reiterated the principled position of the three countries on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and resolved their support for a just and peaceful resolution, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolution and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

It was also agreed in the conference that the next round of the Trilateral Speakers Conference will be hosted by Pakistan in 2023.