By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday said Pakistan valued high its cordial ties with Egypt and intended to further expand the existing relations through enhanced parliamentary and economic cooperation. He expressed these views in a meeting with Ambassador of Egypt Dr. Ihab AbdelHamid Hassan who called on him at the Parliament House. Ayaz Sadiq said the relation between the two brotherly countries was based on common religion, culture, history, mutual respect and brotherhood. He expressed grave concern over the current situation in the Middle East and condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon. He urged upon the international community to play its role in ending Israeli occupation and aggression so that durable peace can prevail in the region. Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the speaker said parliamentary diplomacy could play a vital role in strengthening the bilateral relations. He further said the exchange of parliamentary delegations would enable parliamentarians of both countries to learn from each other’s experiences, says press note. He also said enhanced contacts between Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) of both countries would result in strengthening of bi-lateral relations as well. Ayaz also extended invitation to his Egyptian counterpart to visit Pakistan along with parliamentary delegation. Egyptian Ambassador Dr. Ihab Abdel Hamid Hassan appreciated the remarks of the speaker for further expanding relations between both brotherly countries and parliaments. He further said Egypt attached great importance to its cordial relation with Pakistan. He also commended Pakistan’s efforts for promotion of durable peace in the region.