Iran keen to boost trade, cultural ties with Pakistan: envoy

LAHORE: Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Ameeri Muqaddam said Iranian government wanted to boost trade and cultural ties with Pakistan. He said both the governments had signed accords during the recent Pakistan visit of late Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi.

Iranian Ambassador said this while speaking at 'Meet the Press' during his visit to Lahore Press Club on Friday. President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari, Senior Vice President Shiraz Hasnat, members of Governing Body Rana Shahzad, Syed Badar Saeed and Abid Hussain welcomed the Iranian Ambassador.

Speaking at 'Meet the Press', the Iranian Ambassador expressed gratitude to Pakistani nation for showing deep sympathies with Iran on the demise of late President Ibrahim Raisi. To a question, he said according to two reports that had come to surface so far, the death of Ibrahim Raisi was an accident that resulted after his helicopter collided with a rock. He added the technical inquiry of the incident was also underway.

Dr Reza told media that elections for the new Iranian President will be held on June 28 and Iranians living in Pakistan could also cast their vote in embassies. He said that Iranian government was pondering on the point that in which sectors, both Pakistan and Iran could move ahead through mutual cooperation. He told that negotiations were underway

on Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project to address the energy crisis in Pakistan. The Iranian ambassador termed Israel as a menace and stated its elimination was necessary.

Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Ameeri Muqaddam called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik M Ahmad Khan at his chamber on Friday. Iran’s Consul General in Lahore Mehran Moheddifar accompanied the Iranian ambassador.

During the meeting, the promotion of parliamentary and economic relations was discussed and fateha was offered for the late Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi.

On this occasion, PA speaker said that Ibrahim Raisi was a great scholar and a leader of the Muslim Ummah and his martyrdom is an irreparable loss to the Muslim community. Iran and Pakistan share religious and cultural relations, he added.

He further stated that friendly relations between the two countries are important for regional peace and stability. Transforming the historic relations between Pakistan and Iran into commercial ties is crucial for mutual development and parliamentary contacts will play an important role in further strengthening bilateral relations, he asserted.

PA speaker further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the journey of stability and national prosperity continues. The first female Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is tirelessly working day and night to resolve public issues, he added.

The Iranian ambassador on this occasion said that Iran viewed its brotherly and friendly relations with Pakistan with great value. Punjab is progressing forward with the arrival of the new government. He further said that Iran's new government will continue the mission of the late President Raisi. Iran and Pakistan are striving to further strengthen their relations.

Secretary General of the Punjab Assembly Ch Aamir Habib, Staff Officer Imad Hussain Bhalli and spokesperson Rao Majid Ali were also present on this occasion.