A Ministerial delegation of Somalia headed by Minister for Interior, Federal Affairs & Reconciliation Ahmed Moalim Fiqi Ahmed called on Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira here in Islamabad today. The meeting discussed the issues of mutual interest with particular reference to the issues pertaining to the governance system and federalism. The delegation comprised of the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR), Ministry of Justice and States of Somalia, which is on seven days study tour of Pakistan. The purpose of the visit is to learn from Pakistan's experience regarding 18th amendment, National Finance Commission, Council of Common Interests and process of consensus building and reconciliation involved in this respect. Highlighting the importance of National Finance Commission, Council of Common Interests and 18th amendment, the Advisor said that above constitutional setups have proved very fruitful in strengthening the Federation of Pakistan. He also briefed the delegation regarding due process of reconciliation and consensus building involved in this process. He said that fair distribution of power between the centre and the federating units was the backbone of a strong Federation. The feeling of inclusiveness is key to build a state on strong footings which ultimately leads to the prosperity of a country, he added. The Advisor also highlighted the delegation of powers to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan territories in recent years. Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan Peoples Party has always been a staunch advocate of delegation of power to the provinces. He took pride that Pakistan People Party owns the credit of passing the 18th amendment as a result of which maximum powers have been delegated to the provinces. He stressed the need of inclusiveness of all communities, tribes and clans in a federation which is only possible through the process of devolution and fair distribution of power among the federating units. The Minister also highlighted the long-standing issue of Jammu and Kashmir and said that support of Somalia was very crucial in this regard. He said that Pakistan highly values the support of Somalia on this core issue as it is the key member of OIC, Arab League and African Union. He also underlined the importance of recent visit of OIC Secretary General and said that support of OIC on Kashmir issue is a great source of strength and hope for Pakistan and Kashmiris. The Advisor said that Pakistan enjoys good relations with Somali and both countries are cooperating in various fields ranging from defense to agriculture. He expressed his pleasure that thousands of students of Somalia are enrolled in Pakistani universities and are playing important role in prosperity of Somalia. He also expressed his resolve for further strengthening ties between two brotherly countries. The Advisor also presented honorary shields to the members of the delegation at the end of the meeting.
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