Pakistan to Champion Eurasian Connectivity as Mushahid Hussain Takes AEPF Chair
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) at the organisation’s annual conference held in Budapest. The forum, hosted by Hungary’s ruling party Fidesz, brought together 35 parliamentarians, political leaders and think tank representatives from 25 countries across Asia and Europe. Zsolt Nemeth, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Hungary, was elected Co-Chairman representing Europe.
In his acceptance remarks, Senator Mushahid Hussain said Pakistan would continue to play an active role in strengthening Eurasian connectivity, describing the country as an “ideal bridge between the East and the West.” He highlighted Pakistan’s role in linking South Asia, Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also emphasised cooperation through multilateral platforms including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Senator Mushahid Hussain rejected any drift toward a new Cold War, warning against bloc confrontation and calling instead for dialogue-driven regional cooperation. He welcomed the recently announced 28-point plan by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, terming the war “needless and unwarranted” and praising the US leader for seeking engagement with China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.
The senator criticised certain European Union leaders for what he described as “war-mongering” and outdated hostility toward China and Russia. He also underscored the importance of interfaith and societal harmony, saying Asian values of family, religion and community remain key pillars of stability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s ties with Europe, he said cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education and scientific research continues to expand. He added that Pakistan, serving as a member of the UN Security Council, is committed to upholding the UN Charter and the rule of law. He further criticised Western double standards on human rights, stating that global power dynamics are shifting toward a multipolar world where the Global South—Asia, Africa and Latin America—has a stronger voice and influence.
During his visit, Senator Mushahid Hussain also paid homage at the mausoleum of the Muslim dervish Gul Baba in Budapest, noting that Hungary’s preservation of the site reflects its multicultural past as part of the Ottoman Empire and its modern identity within the EU and NATO. The delegates were hosted at official receptions by the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament and the Minister for European Affairs.
