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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28: Pakistan appreciates the idea of establishing an Asian Parliament and an Asian Poverty Fund. This was stated by National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain while talking to Philippines House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr who called on him here on Sunday.
The National Assembly speaker said Pakistan supported the idea of establishment of an Asian Parliament which was floated by the Philippines in previous meetings of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace, adding that it would like the Philippines to take a leading role in this respect.
The establishment of an Asian Poverty Fund also came under discussion and both the leaders agreed that creation of such a fund would play a vital role in Asia's struggle against poverty.
On the occasion, the National Assembly speaker said cordial relations existed between both the parliaments. He also called for enhancing people-to-people contact to further augment the existing relations between the two countries.
He said both the countries could benefit from the legislation carried out by their respective legislatures with regard to elimination of terror, gender discrimination, education, etc.
Mr Hussain and Mr Venecia agreed that Pakistan and the Philippines had commonality of views on elimination of terror, and peace and security in the region. The visiting delegate appreciated the arrangements for the 5th General Assembly of the AAPP.
He also congratulated Pakistan on successful transition to democracy in difficult regional and global environment. The National Assembly speaker also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting delegation, which was attended among others by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed.
APP ADDS: Delegates from various countries have arrived here to participate in the 5th General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP), scheduled to start in the federal capital from Monday.
Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Bhutan, Bahrain, Oman and Vietnam arrived in Islamabad on Sunday. Talking to this agency, the heads of delegations said the conference would help explore new avenues for promoting trade, friendship and mutual coordination among the member nations.
They said the general assembly, besides other matters, would focus on strengthening Asian parliaments, preventing wars and maintaining peace in the world, particularly in the region.
They said the AAPP general assembly provided a useful forum to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the member countries. The delegates attending the conference are heads of upper or lower houses of parliaments of the participating countries, besides parliamentarians.
