Russian parliamentary team calls on Naek

A nine-member Russian Parliamentary Delegation comprising members of State Duma headed by Sergey T. Pekpeev called on Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Andrey Budnik was also present. Speaking to the delegation, Naek said all the state institutions are working smoothly in the country within their own spheres.
He said democracy and democratic institutions are gradually being strengthened in the country and the Government is currently engaged in launching strenuous efforts for improving the quality of life of the people. "We have a free Press, vibrant and vocal opposition and independent judiciary, all the ingredients necessary for a functioning democracy," he added.
The Chairman said Pakistan is a peace-loving, moderate and enlightened country as a great majority of its people is tolerant and accommodating. He underscored the need for more frequent Parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and Russia to their mutual advantage. Parliamentary exchanges between the two countries would help in understanding each others point of view and strengthening bilateral ties.
He called for further expansion and consolidation of trade and economic ties. He said Islam is the religion of peace and true adherents of Islam have absolutely nothing to do with terrorism or extremism. The Leader of the Parliamentary delegation felicitated Farooq H. Naek on assuming the office of Chairman Senate and hoped that the Parliamentary relations between the two countries would be strengthened further in days to come.
Russia is conscious of Pakistans importance in the region. There is growing convergence of interests, particularly, in the context of Central Asia and the war against terrorism. Moscow, he said, has taken initiatives to enhance its links with the Middle Eastern countries and has recently gained observer status in the OIC, he added.
He said the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade between Pakistan and Russia needs to be activated as it provides an appropriate forum for increasing the bilateral trade which presently stood at modest 600 million $. Appreciating Pakistans active role in counter-terrorism efforts, the members of the delegation stressed the need to promote international co-operation in this regard. They said that more parliamentary exchanges would lead to strengthening the bonds of friendship.