ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to continue joint efforts to promote bilateral trade, economic and political cooperation between the two countries. It was agreed in a meeting of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Dr Ali Bagheri Kani with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here at the Foreign Office, who arrived in Pakistan along with a delegation, on Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini were also present at the meeting, according to a statement of the Foreign Office. Recalling fraternal relations between the two countries, Foreign Minister Qureshi remarked that the recent high-level exchanges have further reinforced existing ties.
He emphasised early implementation of the steps, agreed during the Prime Minister's meeting with President Raisi on the margins of the SCO Summit in Dushanbe. He underlined the need for regular convening of institutional frameworks to boost trade and economic relations. He said that the upcoming session of the Joint Trade Committee would provide further impetus to efforts for strengthening economic linkages.
Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Iran for its steadfast support on Jammu and Kashmir, especially at the Supreme Leader level. He underlined that Iran's support is reassuring to the oppressed people of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for the right to self-determination.
Sharing Pakistan's perspective on the latest situation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister underscored the need for close coordination for the mutual advantage of the two countries and the region. He said that Afghanistan required immediate provision of humanitarian assistance and that the international community should fully support the Afghan people at this critical juncture.
He stressed the importance of continued economic engagement with Afghanistan to avert economic collapse, which could lead to refugee influx and regional instability. It added that the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister thanked Foreign Minister Qureshi for receiving him and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and advance shared objectives in the region. He said that Foreign Minister Dr Amir Abdollahian looked forward to visit Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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