4th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Antalya on “Countering Terrorism and Strengthening Regional Connectivity”
The Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Asad Qaiser, led a parliamentary delegation to participate in the Fourth Conference of Speakers of Parliaments on “Countering Terrorism and Strengthening Regional Connectivity” in Antalya, Turkey, from March 24-35, 2021.
The delegation comprised Parliamentarians from both the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan. Parliamentary delegations from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Iraq, Russia and Turkey also participated in the conference.
The honourable Speaker highlighted that connectivity was the foundation stone of regional integration and cooperation. He drew attention to the numerous opportunities existing in the region to reap benefits through strengthening regional connectivity. He shared his concerns on the rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, discrimination and intolerance around the world.
The Fourth Speakers Conference also adopted “Antalya Declaration” through consensus, which reiterated that inter-parliamentary cooperation establishes dialogue channels that contribute to peace, security and development.
The Antalya Declaration also noted that for ensuring global and regional peace and stability, all outstanding issues in the region, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, need to be resolved in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the parliamentary delegation of Pakistan also held meetings with Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq, in which steps to boost regional cooperation and integration were discussed.
Pakistan’s Parliamentary delegation to the Conference comprised of Senator Ms. Quratulain Marri, Senator Muhammad Ayub, Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, as well as Members National Assembly (MNA) Sardar Talib Hasan Nakai, Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel, Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Faiz Ullah Kamoka, Syed Naveed Qamar, Ms. Shazia Marri, Amjad Ali Khan Niazi, Engr. Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani, Fazal Muhammad Khan. Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey M. Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Secretary Senate Mr. Qasim Samad Khan and Secretary National Assembly Mr. Tahir Hussain were also part of the delegation.