The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Mauritius, Mr Muhammed Arshad Jan Pathan, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Sooroojdev Phokeer, today, at his Office, in Port Louis.

In a statement following the meeting, the High Commissioner highlighted that discussions with the Speaker were very cordial and pertained to the strong bilateral relations that both countries share as well as on parliamentary diplomacy.

Mr Pathan underscored that there are a number of opportunities where parliamentary diplomacy can be strengthened, notably during international conferences and within organisations to which Pakistan and Mauritius are both members, such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Inter-parliamentary Union, among others.

Pakistan, Mr Pathan indicated, has a bicameral Parliament, including a Senate and the National Assembly. In this context, the conversation with the Speaker involved the establishment of Institutional Framework Mechanisms through the signature of Memoranda of Understanding and agreements to enhance parliamentary cooperation, he said.

In addition, the High Commissioner pointed out that the Parliament of Pakistan has set up an independent institution known as the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Studies. Thus, discussions with the Speaker also pertained to the provision of courses and training to Parliamentarians in collaboration with International Parliamentary Organisations, Mr Pathan added.