Iran, Pakistan ties need to be further strengthened

Pakistan Senate Chairman, Farooq H. Naek has stressed the need for escalation of people-to-people contacts via exchange of parliamentary, business and student delegations between Pakistan and Iran. He was talking to an Iranian high level delegation, led by Iranian Deputy President Ali Saeedlou which called on him at the Parliament House here on Tuesday, a statement said. The Senate Chairman stressed for increasing economic and technological cooperation and establishing connectivity through rail and road linkages for ultimate progress and prosperity of their people as well as of the whole region. He declared the visit of Iranian delegation a milestone to boost bilateral relations for strengthening fraternal ties, which are rooted deeply in historical, geographical, cultural and religious commonalities. 'Cooperation between our two countries is on a positive trajectory and it is high time to give impetus to our bilateral cooperation in the important areas of economy, energy, trade and investment, road and rail connectivity and implementation of important bilateral initiatives and projects,' Naek added. He reiterated the need to take effective measures for enhancing the trade volume up to $10 billion dollar to fully exploit the existing potential, such as enhancing exchange of business delegations, relaxing visa restrictions, ending tariff and non-tariff barriers and concluding a currency swap arrangement to further facilitate the trade between the two countries. Naek also asked for uplifting of ban on import of Kinnos by Iran as well. Iranian Deputy President Ali Saeedlou said,'There is a lot of capacity to explore and new vistas of cooperation exist for the development of the two nations and we should engage full for mutual benefit'. He said that there was no limitation of cooperation between Iran and other neighborly countries, particularly the brotherly Muslim country of Pakistan. 'The more we work together, the more we realize our capabilities and potentials and can assist each other in various fields for our development and progress,' he added. Naek appreciated Iran's relief assistance to Pakistan's flood victims. The Chairman Senate said,'We should ensure expeditious completion of IP gas pipeline and 1000 MW electricity transmission line to address energy crisis in Pakistan'. Talking about Pakistan's sacrifices for eradication of terrorism and militancy, Naek highlighted the losses suffered in men and material. 'We lost 30,000 innocent civilians and 5,000 brave personnel belonging to Army and law enforcing agencies at the hands of various acts of terrorists.' In spite of all this Pakistan is committed and will fight terrorism till its logically end for regional peace and the world at large, he added. Both Iran and Pakistan must coordinate closely on the regional and international issues of mutal concerns', Naek said. Ali Saeedlou agreed with the Chairman Senate and said that both Pakistan and Iran must join hands for regional peace and prosperity. He said that Iranian President Ahmedinejad would soon visit Pakistan for Pakistan-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral summit carrying a message of peace, friendship and regional cooperation. Naek said, 'We are looking forward to the Iranian President's visit, which will further cement our historical relations'.