Pakistan Chief Minister For Strengthening Pak-Iran Trade Ties

Islamabad, Feb 3, IRNA -- Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif has said that Iran is a reliable friend of Pakistan, and that there is a need for further promoting economic, trade and industrial ties between the two countries, media reported on Saturday. He expressed these views while talking to Adviser to Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Akbar Velayati, who met the chief minister with a 14-member delegation in Lahore. Talking to the dignitaries, the CM said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed a strong bond of love and affection. He said that time had come for Pakistan and Iran to move forward together in economic, trade, industrial and agricultural sectors. He said Iran was an important country of the region and had to play an active role in establishing regional peace. The chief minister said that the role of Ali Akbar Velayati as the Iranian foreign minister was laudable in bringing the Islamic countries closer, besides strengthening Pak-Iran relations. He said the offer of Iran to provide assistance to Pakistan to overcome the energy crisis was a good omen. He said that a modern slaughterhouse had been established in Lahore with the cooperation of Iran, which would increase the export of Halal meat in accordance with hygienic principles. He said the government would also set up modern slaughterhouses in other cities of the province. Shahbaz said that his government had expeditiously completed the metro bus project to provide modern and affordable traveling facilities to the common man, which was being inaugurated on February 10. Speaking on the occasion, Ali Akbar Velayati said that the relations between Pakistan and Iran were extremely strong during the rule of Nawaz Sharif who played an important role in cementing mutual ties. He said the management and efforts of Shahbaz Sharif for the welfare, progress and development of the people were highly laudable. He said Punjab is the heart of Pakistan, which was progressing under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif. He said that the gas pipeline agreement was an important development, through which ties between both Pakistan and Iran would further be strengthened./end