ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to further bolster Pak- Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursue mega projects in all areas particularly energy, trade and economic fields, Dispatch News Desk (DND) reported on Wednesday.
In a meeting held between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian delegation headed by Iranian Oil Minister Mr. Rostam Ghasemi at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, the President highlighted Pakistan’s energy needs and the steps taken to meet them, spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said in a statement.
The spokesman said that the President called for greater connectivity between the Pakistan and Iran and stressed the need to move forward on “ECO Container Train” project. He said that regular operation of ECO Train would lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.
The President said that Pakistan will welcome technical and financial support of Iran for up-grading of the Quetta-Taftan Railway track.
He called for improved visa facilitation, opening of the new border posts and removing tariff and non-tariff barriers for stepping up trade and commerce. He also called for early finalization of agreement to export wheat to Iran.
President Zardari urged businessmen of the two countries for optimum utilization of the trade and investment potential existing between the two countries.
During the meeting, the President expressed satisfaction over the recent signing of Security Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Iran and said the enhanced cooperation in the area of border security will help in countering terrorism, cross-border crimes and drugs trade.
On situation in Afghanistan, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s support to Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned peace process in Afghanistan.
The President called for employing the collective strengths of Muslims and the need to shun violence in meeting the emerging challenges in the region.
From Iranian side, those who attended the meeting included, besides Mr. Rostam Ghasemi, Ambassador Mr. Alireza Haghighian and a number of senior diplomats and officials accompanying the Iranian Minister.
DND
