ISLAMABAD – Besides agreeing to further strengthen bilateral economicrelations between the two neighbouring Islamic states, President MamnoonHussain and Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani said that the connectivitybetween Gwadar and Chabahar seaports would further deepen the economic tiesbetween the two states.
The two leaders met at the sidelines of 18th Shanghai CooperationOrganisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in progress at Qingdao,China. During the meeting, wide array of issues were discussed includingbilateral relations, regional and global situation.
President Mamnoon Hussain underscored that Pakistan and Iran enjoy close,cordial and fraternal relations. Pakistan and Iran continue to support eachother on issues of common interest.
He appreciated the statement of the Iranian Supreme Leader AyatollahKhamenei in support of the just struggle of the Kashmiri people.
Both presidents agreed that the two countries should further strengthenbilateral economic relations through inter-alia increased bilateral trade.They agreed that connectivity between the two sister-ports of Gwadar andChabahar would further deepen bilateral ties through enhanced trade andpeople to people contacts.
On the issue of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), PresidentMamnoon Hussain expressed the hope that all parties of the JCPOA wouldcontinue to implement the agreement and uphold their commitments.
The two leaders also discussed the current global situation and agreed onthe need to focus on upholding principles and rules of international lawand amicably resolving various global and regional crises through diplomacyand negotiations.
Discussing the regional situation, the two leaders emphasised that peaceand stability in Afghanistan was important for both Pakistan and Iran.
According to Iranian media, President Rouhani said Iran welcomes expansionof defence cooperation between the two countries, stressing that commonborders should be secure. “As long as the terrorists are active, the regionwill not achieve its development goals,” said Rouhani, adding, “fightingterrorism requires full cooperation and coordination among all countries ofthe region.”
Highlighting the importance of maintaining regional stability and security,he added, “we want to see a secure and stable Afghanistan, and thecoordination of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan is very important for thesecurity and development of the region.”
Vowing to boost bilateral economic ties, Iranian president said, “Iran isready to have mutual investment with Pakistan in various fields.”
Calling for improving banking relations between the two countries, he wenton to say that Iran can be a reliable source for supplying energy toPakistan.
Rouhani also expressed happiness over Pakistan’s membership in SCO and saidthat Iran supports Islamabad’s effective role in the organisation.
Touching on the close stance of Iran and Pakistan regarding the issues ofthe region and Islamic World, he said, “at regional and internationalmeetings, including the recent summit of the Organisation of IslamicCooperation, Iran and Pakistan have had close stances in condemning therelocation of US embassy to the Holy Quds as well as the demonstrations inthe two countries in support of Palestine on Quds Day.”
Mamnoon Hussain, for his part, pointed to the deep cultural and historicalco-existence of the two Iranian and Pakistani nations, emphasising thatPakistan, as a friend and neighbor country, will always stand with Iran,and that Islamabad is determined to develop relations in all fields ofmutual interest.
Mamnoon said “Border cooperation between the two countries has beenenhanced in recent years, and this trend must persist.”
Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain also met Emomali Rahmon, President ofTajikistan on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit.
Both leaders held in-depth consultations on matters of mutual interest.They reviewed progress in bilateral relations, expressed satisfaction onclose fraternal relations and reaffirmed their commitment to furtherstrengthening ties between the two brotherly nations.
They noted the bilateral economic potential between Pakistan and Tajikistanand agreed to make joint efforts to substantially increase bilateral trade.
The two leaders also examined the prospects of cooperation in areas oftrade and economy, investment, culture, education, science & technology,defence and people-to-people contacts.
Referring to Pakistan’s energy requirements, the President of Pakistanstressed early completion of CASA-1000 and expressed Pakistan’s interest inpromoting connectivity with Central Asia through Tajikistan.
President mentioned that Pakistan looks forward to participating in the17th meeting of Council of Heads of Government of SCO member states whichwill be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in October 2018.
Tajik President expressed his desire to further strengthen brotherlyrelations to enhance economy, prosperity and well-being of the two nations.