Cooperation, Dialogue Will Help Address Global Security Challenges – Hon. Sharada
By Juliet Vincent
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sha’aban Sharada has emphasized that, the international community needs cooperation and dialogue as key elements in order to address global security challenges.
He stated this while speaking on the significance of the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum (PI-SF) held in Manila, Philippines.
Hon. Sharada, who was the Chairman, House Committee and Intelligence in the 9th Assembly and the Honorary President Network of African Parliamentarian’s Members for Defense and Security Committees, said he had fruitful discussions with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum, Congressman Robert Pittenger.
The former lawmaker who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State said he also had the opportunity of observing the proceedings of the Philippines parliament.
He said, “I am honored to have received an invitation from His Excellency Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, to observe the plenary proceedings of the Philippine Parliament during the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Manila.
Hon. Sharada said the rare privilege afforded him a unique opportunity to gain insight into the legislative processes and national security concerns of the Philippines and was grateful for the experience and extend my sincerest appreciation to Speaker Romualdez for his kindness and hospitality.
“This gesture underscores the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between PI-SF and the Philippines National Assembly, and I look forward to further strengthening these ties in the future,” he noted.
He further added that, he had during the Forum, engaged with security experts, members of the diplomatic corps, and policymakers from around the world.
He added, “I also had the privilege of sitting beside Chief Rommel Fransisco D. Marbil, the Inspector General of Police and Chief of the Philippine National Police, with whom I had a rigorous discussion on security issues confronting Africa and the geopolitical challenges of the Indo-Pacific region
“Notably, I had the privilege of exploring matters of mutual interest with Madam Zdenka Popovic, Vice President of the National Assembly of Montenegro, and discussing regional security challenges with a senior naval officer from the Philippines.
“The keynote speech delivered by Hon. Matt Pottinger, Former Deputy National Security Advisor for President Trump, provided invaluable insights into the security and geo-political challenges of the Indo-Pacific.
“I firmly believe that international cooperation and dialogue are essential in addressing global security challenges. I look forward to building on the relationships established during the Forum and exploring opportunities for future collaboration”.
