Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui held a series of meetings with the Iranian authorities in Zahidan yesterday. The meetings were aimed at strengthening Pakistan-Iran cooperation in the fields of education, trade, connectivity and border management.
At the invitation of the local Government, Ambassador Siddiqui visited the University of Sistan and Balochistan (UoSB) in the morning where he was briefed on the University’s academic programmes. Ideas were also exchanged on the opportunities to strengthen linkages of UoSB with Pakistani universities, the current status of the implementation of existing MoUs between UoSB and Pakistani Universities, and the possible introduction of Pakistan Studies courses in relevant academic programmes of UoSB.
Later, the Ambassador called on Governor General of Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran, Mr. Mansour Bijar. The two sides discussed measures to enhance trade, economic cooperation and connectivity between Pakistan and the province, which shares a border of over 920 km with Pakistan. They agreed to expedite pending projects and explore new initiatives to facilitate trade, particularly through Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing. The Governor also confirmed the participation of the representatives of Sistan-Balochistan in the forthcoming Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting. The two sides shared concerns over the recent developments in the region. Governor General Bijar expressed his gratitude over Pakistan’s mediation role between Iran and the US.
Ambassador Siddiqui visited the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing and reviewed its functioning with Iranian authorities. During discussions, both sides focused on addressing administrative challenges and ensuring smooth and uninterrupted movement of vehicles across the border.
Ambassador Siddiqui also visited the Pakistani side of the border crossing. He was briefed by the relevant authorities on border management arrangements. It was agreed to further strengthen cooperation with Iran to ensure smooth, uninterrupted and hassle-free movement of vehicles across the border.
Later in the evening, Ambassador Siddiqui visited the Zahedan Chamber of Commerce and met representatives of the local business community. Discussions with them were centered on facilitation of trade between Pakistan and Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran. The two sides agreed to intensify business-to-business contacts to promote bilateral commercial engagements in the days ahead.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with relevant officials in the province on issues of mutual interest, review on-going projects and identify new areas for further strengthening academic and commercial cooperation between the Pakistan and Iran.
