Envoy Calls For Strong Iran-Pakistan Ties

Islamabad, May 26, IRNA – Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Ali-Reza Haqiqian said that the brotherly ties between Iran and Pakistan would flourish with the passage of time. During a meeting with the Speaker of Punjab Assembly Ra'na Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Haqiqian said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong relations especially in economic and energy sectors. Haqiqian said that officials of both countries have been taking important steps to further enhance bilateral cooperation. The ambassador added that Iran-Pakistan are two key countries of the region and through close cooperation they would be able to resolve regional problems. He said in near future both countries would witness positive results of their cooperation in energy sector. Iqbal Khan for his part hailed the policies of the Islamic Republic, saying that Iran-Pakistan ties are deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas. He was of the view that by enhancing mutual cooperation both countries could overcome the problems of region. Haqiqian also called on the Governor of Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa at the Governor's House in Lahore and discussed matters of mutual interests. The Governor welcomed the ambassador and hoped that the brotherly relations between the two countries would flourish in times to come. During the meeting the Iranian envoy highlighted the cooperation of private sector of Iran and Pakistan to enhance bilateral cooperation. He said that investments by private sector could uplift the economic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. The ambassador said that the exhibitions of Iranian products in Pakistan and Pakistani products in Iran are highly significant and should be held on regular basis. He viewed that such events would help in exploring the hidden opportunities of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. Haghihian added that Iranian political and economic officials would soon visit Lahore. Both sides agreed upon enhancing trade relations between the two countries. They also stressed the need to increase exchange of students’ delegations. Deputy Iranian Ambassador Husain Ravish and Iranian Consul General in Lahore Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi accompanied Ali-Reza Haqiqian during the meetings. In coming weeks Governor of Iran’s Persia province and President of Tehran Chambers of Commerce and Industry would visit Lahore and meet senior Pakistan officials./end