ISLAMABAD * – The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan says that work will beginsoon to connect Chabahar port of Iran with Gwadar port of Pakistan to makethe two ports complementary to each other.*
During a program of Pakistani ‘Waqt’ news TV channel ‘Embassy Road’ MehdiHonardoost said that some forces are trying to term these two ports ascompetitive which is absolutely baseless.
He said that Iran has also been supplying electricity to Gwadar port forpast many years which shows that Iran is interested in the development ofthe port.
The Iranian ambassador revealed that a joint delegation of Pakistan andIran would visit Chabahar and Gwadar ports to connect them with each other.
He went on to say that trade between Iran and Pakistan has been improvingand increased from $500 million to over $1.20 billion in the last twoyears, however, the bilateral trade can be enhanced further.
Mehdi Honardoost added that Iran is interested in importing rice, freshfruits and meat from Pakistan.
He rejected the possibility of fencing the joint border to stop some borderincidents adding that due to the terrain of the area it is a very difficultand expensive exercise.
He pointed out that there are some countries who do not want to see Iranand Pakistan coming close to each other.
The diplomat said that role of Iran and Pakistan in bringing peace inAfghanistan is extremely important adding that peace can be restored toAfghanistan only through dialogue.