PA speaker, Dutch envoy discuss bilateral ties, parliamentary cooperation

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jun, 2026) Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Thursday met Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, Robert-Jan Siegert, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation and collaboration in various sectors of mutual interest.

During the meeting held at the Speaker’s Chamber in the PA, both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, education, research, sports and parliamentary affairs.

The two dignitaries emphasised the importance of making parliamentary diplomacy more effective and agreed to further strengthen institutional linkages between the legislative bodies of Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoyed cordial relations based on mutual respect, trust and longstanding cooperation. He said stronger parliamentary engagement could play a vital role in deepening bilateral ties and promoting cooperation in diverse fields. The speaker noted that exchanges of parliamentary delegations would help enhance mutual understanding and open new avenues for institutional collaboration.

He said increased trade and investment cooperation could create fresh opportunities for economic growth and prosperity, while educational, research and youth exchange programmes would contribute to building stronger and more sustainable relations between the two countries.

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Referring to recent legislative measures in Punjab against child marriage, the speaker said such initiatives were aimed at ensuring a secure, dignified and brighter future for children.

Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert said expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands was an important need of the time and noted that ample opportunities existed to further strengthen bilateral engagement.

He welcomed his visit to the Punjab Assembly and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Among others present on the occasion were Punjab Assembly Secretary General 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.

Later, the speaker gave the Dutch envoy a detailed tour of the Punjab Assembly Chamber.