ISLAMABAD: With the post-2014 situation not too far off, and as uncertainty stares it in the face, Pakistan has suggested to China that the two should initiate a Parliamentary Security Dialogue, as this was particularly important for the countries bordering Afghanistan.

“This will help to discuss and deliberate on the regional situation, particularly the new scenario arising out of the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Pakistan and China have a commonality of opinion on issues of regional and global significance and both are strong strategic partners. Commencement to the dialogue will enable the two to have mutual understanding on dealing with post-2014 situation,” Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Senate Defence Committee, proposed to the visiting 11-member Chinese parliamentary delegation headed by Wang Zhengwei, vice chairman of the 12th CPPCC National Committee and Minister of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, in Islamabad.

The two sides also reached a broad consensus on three fundamental points regarding a common vision for the future strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.First, both sides have a common enemy in the ‘evil forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism’, so both should have a joint strategy to confront such a common enemy of humanity. Second, both countries should give priority to promoting economic development, raise living standards of people to build a better life, and help in poverty alleviation. Third, both countries want stability at home and in their vicinity, as without stability there can neither be security nor any development.

Leader of the Chinese parliamentary delegation, agreeing with the views of Senator Mushahid, said the proposal of Parliamentary Security Dialogue would be an important initiative and would enable Pakistan and China to mutually work for security, development and stability.

He underscored the need to step up cooperation to eradicate roots of terrorism while extending an invitation to Senate Standing Committee on Defence to visit China. Senator Mushahid remarked that Pakistan enjoys a time-tested and all-weather friendship with China and expressed the hope that relations between the two neighboring countries would grow in future. He termed the speech of Chinese president as important which would help boost regional cooperation and people to people contacts.

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-211109-Pakistan-proposes-security-talks-with-China