Pak-Iran Ties: Iranian envoy terms Pakistan's security as of theirs

Pak-Iran Ties: Iranian envoy terms Pakistan's security as of theirs

ISLAMABAD (APP): Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Hunar Dost Sunday said Iran and Pakistan were enjoying cordial relations as both supported each other on many issues.

He said the Iranian leadership had time and again declared that Pakistan's security was that of theirs. Iran was the first country which recognised Pakistan after independence and always helped it at difficult times, he said talking to a private news channel.

The Ambassador said Iran did not prefer others in its ties with Pakistan. Both the countries had unanimity of views on several issues.

He said Iran could play a role regarding the Kashmir issue if both Pakistan and India desired so.

Ambassador Mehdi said some foreign elements were supporting terrorists in the region. Apparently they condemned terrorism, but in fact they were behind the menace under cover, he added.

He said both Pakistan and Iran were victims of terrorism and had rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against the menace.

How could Pakistan involve in terrorist incidents when it itself was the victim, he added.

Pakistan had launched the operation Zarb-e-Azb to completely eliminate terrorism from its soil, he said.

As regards his country's ties with Saudi Arabia, he said Pakistan had its due role to defuse tension between the two countries, which was appreciable. The tense situation was not in the interest of both and the Muslim Ummah, he added.

To a query, he said his country did not accept any pressure on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. It had already laid pipeline upto the border with Pakistan, he added.

He expressed the hope that the economic relations between the two countries would be further strengthened in future.

To another question, the Ambassador said Iran had a policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries.