In a meeting between Pakistan’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif on Thursday, Pakistan and Iran have expressed resolve to expand bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including economy, trade, energy and border management for peace and security in the region.
Discussing ways to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties, the two sides have agreed to effectively utilise the existing institutional mechanism for bilateral interactions. They believe that Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries should be fully implemented to promote bilateral trade.
Highlighting the significance of cooperation in the energy sector, the two sides also emphasised the need for making progress on Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline project.
Addressing a joint news conference with the Iranian foreign minister, Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan enjoys close and cordial relations with Iran which are deeply rooted in history, culture and geography.
Congratulating the Iranian foreign minister on Tehran’s nuclear deal with the world powers, the advisor on foreign affairs said the implementation of the agreement will contribute to regional and international peace and security. He expressed confidence that it will also open new avenues of economic and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
IRAN RECIPROCATES:
Speaking on the occasion, the Iranian foreign minister said there were massive opportunities of enhancing bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, particularly in the fields of oil, gas, banking and finance. He said both the countries could go ahead more expeditiously on the gas pipeline projects and in this regard the relevant ministries are in touch.
He said Pakistan has been playing responsible role in the region and all the regional countries will have to work together to fight the common challenges of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.
To a question, the Iranian foreign minister said his country is supportive of peace and security cooperation amongst the regional countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for always supporting peaceful resolution of Iranian nuclear issue. He expressed the confidence that the brotherly relations will transform into meaningful economic relations.
When asked about issues on Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan, the Iranian foreign minister said both the countries needed to enhance contacts to curb incidents on the border.
When asked about the impact of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project on the region, Jawad Zarif said Iran supports growth and development in Pakistan. Development of both the countries is imperative to fight poverty and extremism in the region, he said.
INDIA CAN NOT UNDERMINE PAK-IRAN RELATIONSHIP:
In the meanwhile, addressing a special meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of National Assembly on Thursday, Iranian foreign minister called for unity in Muslim world and said no country including India can undermine the importance of Pakistan for Iran.
“What binds us together (the essence of Islam) is far greater than what divides us, he commented.,” he said, expressing Iranian readiness to take lead for bridging differences with Saudi Arabia given the gesture was reciprocated.
He stated that Iran was also willing to engage in dialogue with GCC countries. The ties that bind us together are far more greater than mere economic relations, he said while adding that those who are espousing sectarianism are not serving the interests of Muslims.
Everything that threatens the security of Pakistan is threat to Iran as well, he remarked.
Replying to a question by MNA Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he said that Iran has completed its part of the pipeline and is waiting for Pakistan to complete its part.
On a question by MNA Sheikh Rasheed, Zarif reiterated unflinching support of Iran for Palestine and Kashmir. He welcomed the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders of Yemen in Qatar. He also suggested a trilateral security arrangement for Afghanistan in backdrop of US withdrawal from the country.
The minister also welcomed the rapprochement of Afghan Unity government under leadership of Ashraf Ghani with Pakistan. He called for helping the government of Afghanistan to restore peace in its country.
In his welcome remarks, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Awais Leghari congratulated Iran on successful conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between Iran and P-5 + 1 in Vienna a month ago.