Zubair Yaqoob
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and the rich oil and gas reserves in Iran can be helpful for both brotherly countries to strengthen their trade and investment ties.
However, he strongly condemned the Israeli aggression on Palestine and expressed his country’s resolve to continue its support to the people of Palestine. Addressing an interactive session titled: ‘Pakistan Iran relations: Present & Future’ here he said that Iran enacted a special provision into its constitution right after the ‘Islamic Revolution’ to support Palestine and the country observed ‘Yaum-ul-Quds’ on last Friday of the holy Ramadan, each year, for the freedom of the oppressed Palestinians. The event was hosted by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR). “Iran is supporting Palestine to the best of its capacity, but never interferes in its internal affairs,” the ambassador said. On the prospects of Pak-Iran cooperation, he said that the CPEC project in Pakistan is next to the border of Iran; while on the other hand, Iran has rich oil and gas reserves. The close distance between Karachi and Gwadar Port and the Port of Chabahar in Iran is strategically and economically important. Both countries can enhance their cooperation and benefit from these opportunities. Iran and Pakistan enjoy common interests and suffer from common threats. Our common threats are security and terrorism. However, actions taken recently in this regard are good and we need to do more. There are many common interests in the areas of economy, trade, and transportation.
The opening of the border market shows the determination of the two countries towards the enhancement of bilateral ties in all areas including commercial and economic fronts. He stressed the need for an active role of research centers to identify common problems and suggest initiatives to improve the political economic and security issues.
The current cooperation between the research centers of the two countries is in very good condition. These research centers have regular meetings. MOU between IPIS and IRS will be finalized shortly, he said. Iran and Pakistan are two countries with a lot of cultural, historical, religious, language, and civilization links. With more than 900km common border, we have lived together in peace throughout history. Responding to a query regarding China’s role in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia closer to each other, he said Iran wants to maintain good relations with the Islamic countries including Saudi Arabia.
