During the meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed the country’s readiness for providing the energy required by Pakistan, saying “the implementation of the nuclear deal and the lift of sanctions have given both countries the chance to further expand their cooperation in the fields of energy, petrochemicals and banking affairs.”
Noting that the economies of Iran and Pakistan could complement one another, President Rouhani added, “strengthening border markets, taking steps toward free trade and establishing joint trade accounts can further deepen the two countries’ trade cooperation.”
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining security at Iran-Pakistan borders for advancing development projects, saying “as Iran’s borders are safe and secure for Pakistan, efforts on the other side of the borders should intensify so that we will cease to witness any more insecurity there.”
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, for his part, voiced his country’s readiness to expand all-out relations with Iran, particularly in the economic sector, adding “in addition to these efforts, we should raise the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, which currently stands at $1 billion.”
President Rouhani had previously maintained that Iran and Pakistan are making efforts to increase their trade volume to $5 billion within the next few years.
President Hussain further referred to the scourge of terrorism in the region, calling for closer cooperation with Iran in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
President Rouhani arrived Friday in Pakistan on a landmark two-day visit, his first since becoming president. Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation including 60 Iranian businessmen, Rouhani's visit aimed at advancing bilateral ties in various fields and opening a new chapter in both countries' mutual cooperation following the implementation of the nuclear deal.
MS/3585603
Your Comment