National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, on Tuesday, proposed establishing a Joint Parliamentary Commission to discuss and suggest a way forward for the promotion of bilateral economic and investment relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation. The speaker added that structural changes in the economy and pro-investment policies of the government had led to the creation of immense economic potential. He also called for Russian participation in CPEC projects. Speaker Qaiser expressed these views when he met Russian State Duma Chairman Volodin Via?heslav Viktorovi?h in Moscow, Russia, on the sidelines of the Conference on Development of Parliamentarianism, according to a message received from Moscow. The two presiding officers discussed matters related to enhancing bilateral relations and economic cooperation. Speaker Qaiser’s proposal was well received by the Russian State Duma Chairman as he called for meetings to finalise the plan. He said that it was heartening to note that Pak-Russia relations had entered the phase of progression and would attain strength with continued interaction and cooperation. Viktorovi?h suggested that such parliamentary moots should be held on a regular basis to discuss issues confronting regional and global peace, socio-economic growth and development of human potential. Speaker Qaiser told his Russian counterpart that Pakistan had attached immense importance to its ties with Russia. Recalling the Russian assistance in the industrial sector, he added that the establishment of Steel Mill had played an important role in the development of Pakistan. The speaker suggested Pak-Russia cooperation in trade, investment, space security, defence, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, culture and education. He expressed satisfaction on the pace of the strategic dialogue between both countries on the consultation of regional issues such as the menace of terrorism and extremism, human and drug trafficking and other diverse sectors. The speaker also seemed content with the quantum of trade between Pakistan and Russia. He claimed that mutual trade had increased up to $314 million, which needed to be enhanced in the view of trade potential on both sides. Touching the parliamentary ties between National Assembly of Pakistan and Russian State Duma, Qaiser said that cordial relations existed between both parliaments as he continued that friendship groups had been established on both sides. These groups were said to be actively interacting and sharing experiences. He appreciated State Duma Chairman for successful holding a conference on “Development of Parliamentarism.” Viktorovi?h, in turn, profoundly conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart that Russia valued its relations with Pakistan and wanted to further cement them through economic and parliamentary cooperation. He agreed that the establishment of Joint Parliamentary Commission with members of the parliament from both sides, having expertise in economic trade, agriculture and development sectors, could be a giant leap in cementing Pak-Russia relations. He agreed that Pak-Russia trade volume should be enhanced to commensurate with the existing trade potential.