Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was unanimously elected Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum at the organisation’s annual conference in Budapest, which concluded yesterday. The gathering, held under the theme Peace and Democracy in Eurasia and hosted by Hungary’s ruling party Fidesz, brought together 35 parliamentarians and policy experts from 25 countries. Zsolt Nemeth, former deputy foreign minister of Hungary, was chosen as Co-Chairman representing Europe.
In his acceptance remarks Senator Mushahid Hussain thanked participants for entrusting him with a two-year term at the helm of this unique non-governmental platform that links political representatives, public intellectuals and think tanks across Asia and Europe. He noted the Forum meets alternately in Asia and Europe and serves as a space for sustained political dialogue across the two continents.
Speaking about Pakistan’s regional role, Senator Mushahid Hussain described the country as an ideal bridge between South Asia, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian landmass. He urged stronger Eurasian connectivity through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative with CPEC as a practical catalyst, and highlighted cooperation within organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to deepen trade and people-to-people ties.
The senator rejected the concept of a new Cold War or confrontation politics and welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war, arguing that this needless conflict must be resolved through dialogue. He praised efforts to pursue negotiated settlements with major powers and welcomed moves to seek peaceful agreements with China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.
Senator Mushahid Hussain criticised some European leaders for engaging in what he described as war-mongering and pursuing antagonistic policies toward China and Russia, calling such outlooks outmoded. He also emphasised inter-faith harmony and the importance of Asian values such as family, faith and social cohesion as foundations for stability.
On Pakistan’s ties with Europe he highlighted growing collaboration in trade, investment, education and science and technology, and underscored Pakistan’s responsible role at the United Nations Security Council in upholding the rule of law and the UN Charter. He further called out perceived Western double standards on human rights and observed that the world is shifting toward a new global order in which the Global South has a stronger voice and influence.
During the visit Senator Mushahid Hussain paid homage at the mausoleum of the Muslim dervish Gul Baba in Budapest, a testament to Hungary’s multicultural past, and was among delegates hosted to a banquet by the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament and the Minister for European Affairs.
