Pakistan urges strong ties with Iran

Islamabad, September 30: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani says all obstacles to promotion of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan should be removed.

“Thanks to efforts by governments of Iran and Pakistan, two countries’ cooperation is reaching its highest level and this proves expansion of bilateral cooperation between two Muslim and influential countries in the region,” he added.

Speaking in a meeting with the visiting Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar on Thursday, Gilani thanked Iran for sending USD 100 million in aid to flood-stricken areas of Pakistan, IRNA reported.

Gilani also expressed satisfaction over collaboration in energy and power sector and called for acceleration of gas transfer and power supply to Pakistan by Iran.

“Interior ministries of Iran and Pakistan have taken long strides to establish border stability and security and both ministers are trying to further promote relations,” he added.

Gilani said during his recent visit to Iran, the two sides discussed energy and cultural cooperation and further expansion of relations.

Mohammad-Najjar, for his part, said that the government and people of Pakistan should never feel alone as Iranian people and authorities were on their side.

Stressing the need for further expansion of bilateral ties, he added that Iran was ready for all kinds of cooperation with Pakistan.

The Iranian minister arrived in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, at the helm of a delegation for a two-day visit on Wednesday.

—-Agencies