PA Speaker, Netherlands ambassador discuss relations

LAHORE: The Ambassador of Netherland to Pakistan, Robert-Jan Siegert, visited the Punjab Assembly and called on Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan in the Speaker’s Chamber to discuss bilateral relations, enhancing parliamentary cooperation, and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, research, and sports. The two sides agreed on the importance of making parliamentary diplomacy more effective and further broadening institutional linkages between the legislative bodies of both the countries. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoy a relationship founded on mutual respect, trust, and enduring cooperation. He stressed that the promotion of parliamentary ties plays a pivotal role in further strengthening bilateral relations. The Speaker maintained that exchanges of parliamentary delegations would not only enhance mutual understanding but also provide new avenues for institutional cooperation. He further observed that greater trade and investment cooperation could create new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for the people of both countries, while educational, research, and youth exchange programmes would contribute to building stronger and more sustainable bilateral relations. Referring to Punjab’s recent legislative measures against child marriage, Malik remarked that such initiatives serve as an important safeguard for ensuring a secure, dignified, and brighter future for children. Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert described the promotion of cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands as a pressing necessity of the present time. He observed that significant opportunities exist for further expanding bilateral engagement and welcomed his visit to the Punjab Assembly. The ambassador also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Among those present at the meeting were Secretary General Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Amer Habib, Advisor to the Speaker Osama Khawar, Principal Secretary Amad Hussain Bhalli, Chairman Standing Committee on Minority Affairs Philobos Christopher, Malik Taimoor Ahmad Khan, and Director Media Rao Majid Ali. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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