DUSHANBE, February 14, 2013, Asia-Plus — Shukurjon Zuhurov, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) met with Nematullah Jafari, Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan’s Parliament, in Islamabad, Pakistan on February 13 on the sidelines of the 1st Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO).
Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for the Majlisi Namoyandagon, says the meeting was held at the request of the Afghan side and issues related to expansion of parliamentary cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan were a major topic of the meeting.
The sides also discussed implementation of a number of regional energy and transportation projects.
In the course of the talks, Tajik parliamentary speaker reportedly drew attention of the Afghan side to the necessity of speeding up the work on signing of a tripartite agreement between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan on transit of transport, commodities and services.
“Shukurjon Zuhurov also asked to assist with tackling the problem connected with dozens of Tajik trucks carrying food products that have been halted by the Afghan authorities on the Pakistani-Afghan border for several days for unknown reasons,” Sultonov said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media sources report that the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization Countries signed Charter of the Assembly in Islamabad on February 11.
Six member states including Tajikistan‚ Afghanistan‚ Turkey‚ Iran‚ and Azerbaijan besides host Pakistan attended the moot.
The objective of the charter is to strengthen people to people contacts with a view to achieving mutual understanding‚ trust and friendship among the peoples of the member states. It is expected to lead to exchange of experiences among the Parliaments of the member countries.
The charter is reportedly aimed at supporting the work of ECO and promoting knowledge of its principles and activities among members” countries.
Speaking at the conference, Tajik parliamentary speaker Shukurjon Zuhurov said implementation of the charter would pave the way for regional progress.
The Executive Council unanimously elected Ms. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, as the President of the 1st General Assembly of the PAECO and approved the panel of Chairmen for the General Assembly. In absence of the President‚ the Speakers of Iran and Tajikistan would chair the sessions of the General Assembly.
The Council also approved a committee comprising Secretary Generals of the Parliaments of ECO Member states to deliberate and formulate Rules of Procedure of PAECO. The Rules would be put before the next meeting of the PAECO Executive Council.
