Pak, Iran must enhance coop for peace: Bukhari

Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari has said that Pakistan-Iran being brotherly and neighbourly countries need to further strengthen their bilateral ties by enhancing cooperation in various fields. Strong relations between both the countries is in their interest as well as vital for peaceful and stable region. He was expressing these views while talking to Iranian Ambassador H.E. Ali Reza who called on him here today.

The Acting President added that Parliamentarians of the two countries can play crucial role for influencing our relation for cementing it further and can lead to strengthening our ties. Bukhari said that Pakistan and Iran have always been supportive of each other in the past and our support and cooperation will continue in future as well.

The Acting President reiterated, “Cooperation between our two countries is on positive trajectory and we must prioritize our economic and trade relations for progress and prosperity of people of two brotherly nations.” We need to take effective steps to attain the target of bilateral trade worth US $ 10 billion. Relaxing visa regime for enhancing people to people contacts including Parliamentarians, businessmen, educationists and students can facilitate in enhancing cooperation in different sectors.

The Acting President also stressed the need for expeditious implementation of our bilateral projects including gas pipeline and electricity projects. He told the Ambassador that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have urged the early completion of these projects for benefit of the two countries. Overcoming the energy crisis is essential for Pakistan’s progress and we are looking forward to Iranian support at this difficult time.