"In addition to expanding the level of participation in the ECO, we must think of practical steps to strengthen it," said Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Asad Qaiser while addressing the inaugural session of a two-day second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization began in Islamabad on Tuesday.
He said that the ECO members are eager for easy access to Central Asia and Europe, and "we consider it important to use Iran's road capacity", including its route to Turkey and Europe, for this purpose.
Asad Qaisar emphasized the railway connection between Chabahar and Gwadar ports will cause regional economic development and increase the connections between the ECO countries.
He stressed the importance of establishing lasting peace and stability in the region, including resolving the Afghan issue, resolving disputes in the subcontinent and the actions of the Islamic world to help the Palestinian people, adding that the international community must address the plight of the Palestinian people and prevent them from the Zionist aggression.
"To strengthen the structure of the ECO, we emphasize joint action of the member countries to overcome the health crisis, such as the corona pandemic, the promotion of joint trade, the conclusion of a transit trade agreement, the development of science and technology to strengthen livelihoods and increase investment," he said.
Speaking as a special guest on the occasion, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi said that Muslim countries will be able to gain a worthy place in the international community by strengthening their communities and livelihoods.
President Alvi criticized the international community's double standards towards developing countries, especially the West's biased approach towards Muslims, adding, "We want to further strengthen trade relations and economic cooperation between ECO countries."
The Speakers of the Parliaments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan addressed the opening meeting.
In addition to the virtual presence of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly at the Islamabad Summit, the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Iran's Ambassador Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, participated in the summit.
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