ISLAMABAD: The Senate of Pakistan and the Cambodian Senate inked a historical memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday at the Parliament House.
The MoU was signed when a six-member delegation, headed by Cambodian Senate Secretary General Oum Sarith called on Pakistan’s Senate Secretary Amjed Pervez Malik. The delegation arrived in Islamabad on Monday on the invitation of Malik.
The MoU is aimed at providing a framework for enhanced cooperation and continuous interaction between the two houses. Both the secretaries called for strengthening cooperation on parliamentary affairs and emphasised the need for close relations between parliaments, governments and people of the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Malik expressed the hope that the MoU would lay the foundation for permanent exchange of parliamentary practices for mutual benefit of both the countries. During his speech, Malik shared the constitutional history of Pakistan, salient features of the federation and working of bi-cameral system of parliament. He added that under the command of the incumbent Senate chairman, the committee system of the Senate had become strong enough to keep a check on the executive.
Malik briefed the delegation about recent initiatives introduced in parliament. Giving details, he said several steps had been taken to improve public petition system and amendments to rules.
Malik also appreciated the cooperation of the Cambodian Senate with the Senate of Pakistan to strengthen the Asian Parliamentary Association (APA), which would serve as a common voice on regional issues. He lauded achievement made in Zarb-e-Azb operation and expressed apprehension about the current situation along the Line of Control. He stressed the need to resolve outstanding regional conflicts in order to promote peace and socio-economic prosperity in the region. The Cambodian Senate secretary general said that the signing of the MoU would boost bilateral parliamentary linkages. He also invited his Pakistani counterpart to visit Cambodian Senate to further cement the parliamentary interaction.
Later, the delegation visited the Senate, National Assembly and Gali-e-Dastoor and was briefed about the parliamentary and democratic history of Pakistan and composition and function of both the houses. The delegation also visited Lok Virsa Museum where they were briefed about the cultural history and heritage of Pakistan.
