President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan greatly values its fraternal ties with Iran and considers it a close friend and a neighbour with whom it has traditionally enjoyed cordial relations based on historical, cultural and religious affinities.
The President said this while talking to outgoing ambassador of Iran Mr. Alireza Haghighian, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.
The President stated that Pakistan welcomes the framework agreement and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran nuclear deal and hoped that lifting of sanctions against Iran will open new avenues for expanding bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in the energy sector.
The President noted that there is a great potential to further enhance bilateral trade and hoped to achieve the US $ 5 Billion mark in the next three years set by the two brotherly country’s respective leaderships.
The President stated that Pakistan’s priority is to address its energy deficit adding that Pakistan is committed to the IP Gas Pipeline project. The President said that the work on 700 kms of IP Gas Pipeline from Nawabshah to Gwadar will commence shortly and entire work on laying of pipeline will be completed after the removal of sanctions on Iran. The President said that Pakistan is keen to import electricity from Iran by expanding current projects as well as initiating new ones.
The President stated that Iran and Pakistan should closely cooperate with each other to bring peace in the region. The President also underlined the need for greater cooperation between the two brotherly countries at international forums for achieving shared objectives.
The President appreciated the services of the outgoing Iranian Ambassador in furthering the bilateral relations between both countries during his tenure in Pakistan. The President wished him well for his new assignment and hoped that he will continue working for the promotion of Pak-Iran relations. The President also asked the outgoing ambassador to convey sincere felicitations and best wishes of the government and people of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and people and extended invitation to Iranian President Mr. Hassan Rouhani to visit Pakistan soon.
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