The six-nation Speakers Conference concluded in Islamabad with adoption of the declaration of partnership for regional peace, development and connectivity. It agreed to hold the next meeting in Tehran, Iran, next year.
The conference which convened on the initiative of Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was attended by Iran Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani, and speaker of Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ismail Kahraman, National Assembly of China, and Russian Federal Duma with their respective parliamentary delegations.
The conference discussed the significance of peace, development and connectivity among the participating states. It recognized that peace was a prerequisite for achieving development and promoting connectivity among the countries and respective regions, agreeing on the need for more engagement and dialogue among the Parliaments, government and the people.
The speakers exchanged views on entire spectrum of bilateral, regional and international issues in a warm, cordial and friendly manner. The moot desired to maintain the momentum of high level exchanges and consultations, providing impetus for deepening of ties among the countries.
The speakers said they would encourage greater engagement and cooperation in people-to-people connectivity initiatives, including those relating to education, human resource development, innovation and entrepreneurship, cultural exchanges, and tourism.
Recognizing that terrorism was a common threat to the entire world, the participants condemned this phenomenon in all its forms and manifestations.
The conference condemned the decisions and actions to alter the status of the holy city of Al-Quds, declaring them null and void having no legal effect.
They welcomed the recent significant achievements in defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and recognized that Daesh had continued to pose a serious threat to the security and stability of countries of the region and urged for concerted joint efforts to counter this threat.