National Assembly, Russian Duma sign historic cooperation pact

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and the Chairman of the State Duma signed a historic agreement on Thursday to extend parliamentary cooperation between the State Duma, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Moscow. The agreement was signed in Moscow by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and his counterpart Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich, Chairman of the Russian State Duma to enhance ties between the two legislative bodies and establish permanent cooperation mechanisms through parliamentary committees, commissions, and parliamentary friendship groups.

In his opening remarks, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted that he has a longstanding friendship with Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich, while he has been in close contact with some members of the Russian delegation for over a decade. He also thanked Volodin for accepting his invitation to visit Pakistan.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed gratitude to Mr. Victorovich for his support in convening the Speakers’ Conference. Both sides agreed to hold its fourth session in Moscow in 2025.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also emphasised enhancing trade and business ties between the two countries.

It is important to note that a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, visited the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Thursday, upon the invitation of his counterpart, Vyacheslav Volodin and the two leaders held a private meeting, followed by delegation-level discussions.