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Islamabad: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the National Assembly has stressed promoting closer political, economic and cultural ties with Albania through regular parliamentary exchanges. According to a message received from Tirana, Albania she made these remarks during her meeting with Dr. Jospefina Topali, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament in Tirana today.
The Speaker of Pakistan is on an official visit to the European State on the invitation of her Albanian counterpart. This is the ever first visit of any Speaker of Pakistan to Albania.
In their meeting, which was held in the Parliament building, both women leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote relations between the two emerging democracies of the OIC by harnessing close links.
To this effect, Dr. Fehmida Mirza proposed establishing a joint Parliamentary Commission, comprising of members from the two parliaments, which would meet annually to review the pace of cooperation in fields of economy, cultural, youth exchanges, education, health and parliamentary development. The proposal was warmly received by the Albanian side.
On the occasion, the Albanian Speaker also announced her country’s decision to reopen its embassy in Pakistan. At present the two countries do not have diplomatic missions in each-other’s capitals.
The Albanian Speaker paid rich tributes to the contributions made by Dr. Fehmida Mirza to the plight of women all over the world. She termed Dr. Mirza a symbol of women’s empowerment and a role-model for women of the world.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza thanked Albania of its continued support to Pakistan on issues like Kashmir and terrorism. She noted that Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase and needed friends like Albania who could raise a strong voice in its favor at forums like the European Union, UN and OIC.
The two sides also noted with satisfaction that there was a great deal of understanding of each-other’s points of view and the two sides had been cooperating on all international fora, including the United Nations, the OIC and the Inter Parliamentary Union.
The Pakistani Speaker also praised Albania for its decision to support Pakistan’s candidature for the Security Council non-permanent Seat for the year 2012-13.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza also assured the Albanian Speaker of Pakistan’s complete understanding of the plight of the Muslims of Kosovo. She said that Pakistan firmly adheres to nations’ right of self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and International Law.
On the question of the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, she said that the issue was under active consideration of her government and an appropriate decision would be taken in light of the decision of the International Court of Justice.
For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Parliament House, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 922 1082 -83
Fax: +9251 922 1106