Pakistan, Iran foreign affairs committee members to visit ‘sister ports’

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Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of Iran Chairman, Allauddin Boroujerdi in Islamabad on Friday proposed a joint visit of Gwadar and Chabahar ports by members of Pakistani and Iranian foreign affairs committees.

This visit is aimed at dispelling the notion that Gwadar and Chabahar are competitors. The date for proposed visit would be finalised by diplomatic sources.

Boroujerdi, during his visit to Pakistan, vehemently dismissed this notion that there exists any sort of competition between two ports but the unusual interest of India in construction and upgradations of Iranian port creates doubts in Pakistani camp. It may be recalled that India has poured huge investment in Chabahar.

Gwadar port will see 40 million tonnes of cargo going through it upon completion which would be far greater in numbers than its neighbouring Iranian port whereas the joint capacity of all Indian ports stands at fifty million tonnes.

Gwadar and Chabahar are deep sea ports with a distance of merely 72 miles. Both ports would provide employment to millions whereas two neighbouring countries view these ports as the dawn of new economic age.

Addressing news conference in Islamabad on Friday, Allauddin Boroujerdi said Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance bilateral trade from one billion to five billion dollars.

He said Gwadar and Chabahar are sister ports, and they will help boost bilateral trade.

He said Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline is on the top priorities of both the countries.