Rouhani says Iran ready to assist Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Saturday said that Iran was not only Pakistan’s good friend and neighbour but a brother state, adding that fraternal ties between the two countries were deep-rooted in shared history, culture and faith.
During a meeting with the President of Iran Hassan Rouhani at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Mamnoon said that it would pave the way for greater economic, trade and business relations between the two neighbours. He emphasised that we should make all possible efforts to enhance Iran-Pakistan trade and economic relations and expressed optimism that the two countries would achieve the bilateral trade target of $5 billion for mutual benefit of the two countries.
He hoped that the visit of Iranian President would be a milestone in our relations and lead to further strengthening of ties in diverse areas between the two countries.
President Mamnoon said that energy deficit was a major issue in Pakistan and it was top priority of the government to overcome electricity shortage as soon as possible and called for increased cooperation in energy sector. He observed that after lifting of economic sanctions on Iran bilateral collaboration in the field of energy would enhance at a faster pace. He suggested that the two brotherly countries should increase their cooperation in the fields of defence, science and information technology to take their relationship to new heights.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate extremism and terrorism and said that the Zarb-e-Azb operation would continue till elimination of the last terrorist and National Action Plan would be implemented to establish peace not only in Pakistan but the whole region. He informed that Pakistan was sincerely pursuing the vision of peaceful neighbourhood and wished to have friendly relations with all neighbours, including India.
He emphasised that peace in Afghanistan was necessary, adding that Pakistan was trying its utmost to facilitate reconciliation in Afghanistan in the format of Quadrilateral Coordination Group comprising Afghanistan-Pakistan-China and the US. He felicitated President of Iran on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections of the Parliament (Majlis) and the Assembly of Experts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that his election to the Assembly of Experts reflected confidence of the people in his sagacious leadership. He congratulated President of Iran on Nowruz and apprised that Nowruz was also celebrated with great zeal and zest in some parts of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani said that Iran was ready to assist Pakistan in overcoming its energy needs and expand economic cooperation to the benefit of both the countries. He expressed his happiness on being in Pakistan and said that both brotherly countries should cooperate with each other in every sphere.
Earlier, Hassan Rouhani President of Iran was warmly received on his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr by President Mamnoon Hussain and children clad in traditional dress presented bouquets to him. President Mamnoon Hussain also hosted a luncheon in honour of president of Iran and his delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr which was also attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, services chiefs, federal ministers, governors of KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan, president of AJ&K, chief minister Balochistan, parliamentarians, diplomats, and high ranking government officials. Later, during a meeting with president, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani paid rich tributes to the poet of the east, Allama Iqbal. He said that Allama Iqbal has, through his philosophy, rendered commendable services in philosophy, Sharia and other fields, which is a source of guidance for the whole world. He noted with appreciation that much of Allama Iqbal’s poetry is in Persian language.