The Honorable Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari welcomed the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mr. Rostam Ghasemi in his office today.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Mathar Niaz Rana, Federal Secretary for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Asad Rafi Chandna, Additional Secretary for Maritime Ministry, Ms. Ifrah Tariq Director (Iran and Turkey), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Mr. Arman Khorsand, Interpreter and Mr. Jalil Eslami, Deputy of Port Affairs of Ports and Maritime Organization, Iran.
During the meeting, the Minister for Maritime Affairs extended gratitude to his counterpart for visiting his Ministry to discuss matters of mutual interest. He further stated that Pakistan attributes high importance to the relations with its neighboring brother Iran and is desirous of further boosting these relations in all field of mutual interests. He also highlighted that every year huge number of Pakistanis visit Iran for religious tourism for which there is a need to work on facilitating them with travel through ferries.
“Our intent is not to negotiate but facilitate”, stated by Minister for Maritime Affairs. The Minister apprised his counterpart that Pakistan and Iran have shared goals and objectives in maritime sector and both nations can get maximum benefits through enhanced cooperation. Pakistan is looking forward for great maritime cooperation between both nations.
Iranian Minister stated that Iranian delegation is pleased to have negotiations on maritime sector. He stated that Pakistan is a country of great importance in the region in terms of having access to free waters. Both countries can play a major role in enhancing huge amount of transit through activating regional corridors and by doing so both states can also help landlock countries through increasing maritime cooperation.
The Federal Secretary for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Mathar Niaz Rana highlighted that Pakistan and Iran have huge avenues for cooperation in Maritime Sector. The Gwadar Port of Pakistan and Chabahar Port of Iran can hugely complement each other. He also mentioned that MoMA is going to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding for the start of ferry service between both countries and apprised that Ministry is also working for the recognition of seafarer’s certificates. Moreover, he stated that Ministry is committed to provide transport facilitation to both Zaireen and Tourists through both road or ferry connection. Lastly, he mentioned that if restrictions can be removed, there are great prospects of economic cooperation exists between both countries.
While addressing to the Iranian Minister, the Additional Secretary for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Asad Rafi Chandna stated that there is a great natural affinity of culture, history, and friendship that Pakistan and Iran shares. But unfortunately, over the years this aspect was ignored which needs to be revived
through active collaboration in enhancing trade and tourism. He reiterated that this is a unique opportunity to facilitate not only Zaireen but Tourism can also be boosted through bilateral cooperation.
On his concluding remarks, Iranian Minister expressed gratefulness to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for holding fruitful negotiations and assured full assistance from Iranian side for the enhancement of bilateral relations in maritime sector. Moreover, he extended warm invitation to the Minister for Maritime Affairs to visit Iran to discuss further development projects which was appreciated by his counterpart.
The meeting was ended with a vote of thanks from both sides and exchange of souvenirs.
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