–Govt wants to improve bilateral cooperation by boosting economic ties, says Dr Fehmida
–‘Iran’s support for Pakistan on Kashmir issue has further cemented ties’
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza on Tuesday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government wants to take bilateral cooperation between and Pakistan Iran to the next level by boosting economic ties through regional connectivity, enhanced trade and greater cooperation.
The minister made these remarks while addressing the participants at a reception held to mark the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, former national security adviser Lieutenant General (r) Nasser Khan Janjua, former army chief General (r) Mirza Aslam Baig, foreign ambassadors, senior diplomats, politicians, retired generals, senior journalists and analysts attended the ceremony and congratulated Iran on the auspicious occasion. On the occasion, a traditional Iranian music band Ava-e-Barbod performed live music and enthralled the audience.
Iranian students in Islamabad also performed national anthems of Iran and Pakistan which were warmly welcomed by the audience. A large cake was also cut to celebrate the occasion.
Dr Fehmida Mirza said that it is a profound privilege for her to attend the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution of Iran. She also congratulated people and the government of Iran on behalf of President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on the 40th anniversary of the revolution.
“Pakistan and Iran today also celebrate seven decades of profound friendly relations and both countries share common grounds on regional and international issues. Pakistan was among the few countries to accept the Islamic revolution in Iran. Both countries have golden memories and share the teachings and learning of Shaikh Saadi, Hafiz Shirazi and Allama Iqbal,” she added.
The minister said that she had launched efforts to boost cooperation and exchanges between the parliaments of both countries and regular interactions of parliamentarians has helped galvanise ties between the two nations.
“The all-out support of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Kashmir issue has further cemented the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries,” she said and added that Pakistan strongly believes in an amicable solution of Kashmir dispute through structured dialogue and engagement with India.
Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost said that the event also marks 70 years of friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran and this bond would take leaps and bounds in years to come. He said that the cultural centre of Pakistan in Tehran has opened recently which reflects the increasing cooperation between the two traditional friendly states. He said that constant contacts between the leadership of both countries have increased which are aimed at harnessing a bright future of the peoples of both Iran and Pakistan.
