ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday said that Pakistan was keen to explore all available business and trade opportunities in the region for the mutual benefit of the neighbouring countries.
He was talking to Mehdi Honardoost, Ambassador of Iran, who called on him here at the Prime Minister House.
The Prime Minister said revival of economy and overcoming the energy deficit in Pakistan were the priority areas of his government.
“Our vision of achieving economic stability and development in Pakistan are linked with stability in the region,” he said.
“We are focused to implement our agenda of achieving regional connectivity for enhanced trade and business cooperation,” he added.
The Prime Minister cordially welcomed Mehdi Honardoost to Pakistan and congratulated the Ambassador on his new assignment. He expressed the hope that he would make valuable contribution in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.
He said that Pakistan valued its fraternal ties with Iran and considered it a close friend and neighbour.
“We are pleased to note that international economic sanctions on Iran have been lifted, paving the way for expeditious resumption of commercial and economic ties between our countries,” the Prime Minister said.
He said he was looking forward to welcoming President Rouhani later this week.
“The visit would be a great opportunity for us to review the whole range of bilateral relations and further strengthen the brotherly ties,” he added.
Thanking the Prime Minister for the warm welcome, Mehdi Honardoost said that the current figures of bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan did not reflect the enormous potential that existed between the two countries.
The Ambassador said, “We need to seize the moment by redoubling our efforts to achieve the target of $5 billion set by yourself and President Rouhani during your visit to Iran in May 2014.”
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and senior government officials were also present during the meeting.
Source: APP
