ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Hoonardost visited National Press Club (NPC) on Friday where he was warmly received by the President NPC Shakeel Anjum and Secretary NPC Imran Yaqub Deloun.
In his address on the occasion, the Iranian envoy highlighted the importance of Pak-Iran relations and said that being brotherly neighboring countries, the two nationals enjoy cordial relations in different fields.
“We welcome the import of energy by Pakistan from Qatar and Turkmenistan,” the envoy said.
Mehdi Honardoost said that the million-billion dollar Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline is a very useful project for Pakistan as well as for Iran.
“Our gas is the biggest source in the world and it is at your door step.”
“Iran is ready to export 1000 MW electricity to Pakistan also,” he said adding that the Islamic Republic is ready to assist Pakistan in any field of development from energy to tourism.
In reply to a question regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Daesh, he said that we need more hands to deal with terrorism. He said that both Iran and Pakistan are victim of terrorism.
“Terrorism is just terrorism,” Mehdi Honardoost asserted but said that some countries are providing financial support to terrorism.
The Iranian ambassador said that if Pakistan and Iran work together for development of the region particularly border areas then we can also defeat terrorism in the region by providing job opportunities.
When asked about 34-country alliance, he called the Saudi-led alliance ‘ridiculous’ and said that if this alliance is against terrorism then why some countries are not included in this.
The envoy said that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must work for Muslim Ummah not for countries.
The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani plans to undertake an official visit to Islamabad most likely on March 25-26. However, the dates are not officially confirmed.
Mehdi Honardoost said that the Iranian president would arrive in Pakistan next Sunday. He said that his visit would bring positive results, eventually further strengthening of bilateral relations.
The Iranian envoy said that Iran intends to expand economic cooperation with Pakistan, along with increasing regional cooperation and carrying out joint efforts in the fight against extremism and terrorism.
The friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran are decades old as Tehran also enjoys the unique distinction of being the first country to internationally recognize the sovereign status of Pakistan.
The two countries expect the further improvement in their bilateral cooperation in various sectors including energy, trade, business and defence especially lifting of sanctions on Iran by the World Community including Pakistan.
Pakistan lifted the sanctions against Iran on February 19 in pursuant to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and decided to revive all economic and commercial relations with Tehran.
