Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam here on Wednesday vowed to focus on increasing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of trade, countering transnational terrorism and narcotics control for mutually beneficial ties.
In his maiden public appearance, the Iranian envoy delivered a candid speech at the dialogue titled Iran-Pakistan Relations in the New Era, organized by the Institute for Policy Research (IPRI). Ambassador Moghaddam extended his gratitude to the Institute for convening an important dialogue on a pertinent topic which was coincided with the rapidly changing developments in the region and also between the two brotherly countries.
Highlighting the importance of the joint frontiers of the two nations, he said, “I accepted my assignment in these circumstances after reading and understanding the challenges and opportunities. The government of Islamic Republic of Iran during President Raisi’s tenure gave priority to close cooperation with the neighbouring countries. Pakistan has been special for us as our neighbouring country, he expressed.
“The world is changing at the moment as unipolar world order is coming to an end and new powers are emerging making the shift from the west to the east. The western power is devolving and eastern powers are emerging. The Future world will not be unipolar but rather would have multiple forces,” he said.
He added that multinational platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brazil Russia India China and South Africa (BRICS) were new power houses emerging in the eastern world. In the future world, contrary to the myth of military dominance the culture, economy and technology power will play an important role in contributing to the Eastern power rise, he said. He regretted that the bilateral trade volume of Iran and Pakistan had not increased despite many efforts whereas perpetration of terrorism by transregional players in the region was intended to create uncertainty and dependence on them.
On the matter of the desecration of the Holy Quran in European countries, he said defaming of Islam was another challenge for the Muslim world. However, there was a good reaction in the Muslim World to it. “I have asked the Western Countries ambassadors that how they allowed a person to hurt the sentiments of two billion people,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the government of Pakistan and the people for their reaction on the matter.
