Iran for changing paradigm of region-based networking

ISLAMABAD: Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Monday said his country and Pakistan could work together on forming a new paradigm of inclusiveness by abandoning the concept of ‘blocs’ and joining the concept of ‘networking’ which would include everybody and none would have the power to exclude anybody from peace initiatives in the region.

He said there was need to change region-based networking. “We need to abandon the outdated paradigm of creating enemy for enemy,” he said speaking on the topic “70 Years of Pakistan-Iran Relations and Future Prospects” here at the Institute of Strategic Studies.

Javad Zarif said the two countries had bilateral relations since long, which were deep rooted in common faith, history and culture. “Pakistan has always been on our side during our difficult times,” he added.

He said, “We will never do anything to harm Pakistan and expect the same from Pakistan.” Iran desired to further strengthen its political, cultural, economic, trade, banking, and people-to-people ties with Pakistan, he added.

The Iranian minister said Chabhar and Gwadar ports were complimentary for each other. The two were in the best interest of the region, and development of the Chabhar port was not aimed at encircling Pakistan, he added.

He said, “We want to connect Chabhar with CPEC both through land and sea.” Iran was ready to participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said and invited Pakistan to join the Chabhar port project.

Javad Zarif said small theological differences could not divide the two countries as the common challenges being faced by them were greater, which bound them together.

Speaking on the occasion, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Sartaj Aziz highlighted the historical and civilization bonds between Pakistan and Iran. The overwhelming majority of the people of both countries had warm feelings for one another, he added.   He said trade and connectivity with Iran would be further expanded.

ISSI Chairman Ambassador (R) Khalid Mahmood said Pakistan attached great importance to the bilateral relations with Iran. Te two countries, he said, were jointly working for peace and prosperity of Afghanistan.