ISLAMABAD: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday said that Pakistan and Spain share cordial ties rooted in unanimity of views on various regional and international issues and all efforts should be made to further expand these relations.

There is a need to enhance parliament-to-parliament contacts in order to further strengthen these ties between both nations, he said.

The speaker expressed these views during a meeting with a Spanish parliamentary delegation at the Parliament House.

The Spanish parliamentary team comprised senators Vicente Azpitarte Perez, Natalia Ucero, Antononio Gutierrez Limones, Luis de la Peña and Ambassador of Spain in Pakistan Jose Antoniode Ory.

Speaker Sadiq lauded the Spanish government and parliament for their principled support of the Palestinian cause.

He condemned the severe human rights violations against Palestinians, noting that over 40,000 innocent children, women, and men have been martyred.

Furthermore, he called for urgent global action to address these atrocities and praised Spain’s unwavering advocacy for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Mr Sadiq also highlighted the plight of the Kashmiri people, who have been denied their fundamental rights for more than seven decades. He emphasised the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, urging international support to alleviate the suffering of Kashmiri people.

NA Speaker expressed grief over the loss of precious lives and property due to devastating floods in Spain.

He said that both Pakistan and Spain contribute the least to climate change, yet face most of its impact. He also expressed gratitude to the Spanish government and Spanish people for supporting Pakistan during severe floods in 2022.

The discussion also focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technology, education, and IT.

Speaker Sadiq also highlighted Pakistan’s untapped economic potential and geo-strategic importance as a partner for European nations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering stronger ties to promote regional stability and economic growth.

On this occasion MNA and Pak-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group President Syed Ali Musa Gilani and Ambassador of Pakistan to Spain Zahoor Ahmed were also present.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2024