-Says building close relations with Iran our top priority
-Claims bilateral talks closer to resolving major obstacles in expanding Trade
– Meets Iranian President as he is on a two-day official visit
From Tehmina Mustapha
TEHRAN: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday said Pakistan was committed to strengthening its cooperation with Iran in energy sector through the import of additional electricity.
Addressing a press conference in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Bilawal elaborated on their discussion. He said their dialogue took stock of the “entire gauntlet” of bilateral relations and identified ways to enhance them further in order to match their true potential in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, border management, cultural and education cooperation.
On trade, the foreign minister said he was “glad” that Pakistan and Iran had come closer to resolving one of the major obstacles in the expansion of bilateral trade through the operationalisation of barter trade mechanism, formalisation of cross-border exchanges through the opening of new border crossings and promotion of trade through border market places.
He said such steps were “measures of our shared commitment to the provision of opportunities for enhanced economic and commercial activities that’ll benefit the people of Iran and Pakistan”, adding that they would help in improving the livelihood and welfare of people at the border areas.
FM Bilawal said he discussed with Amir-Abdollahian the possibility of exchanging prisoners under the existing legal framework so they could complete their sentences in their own countries. The foreign minister also appreciated Iran’s hospitality and facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims, adding that there were talks on the provision of further services for the pilgrims which formed a “bond of friendship” between the two countries.
On the international front, Bilawal said they discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan and agreed that “Afghans must be supported at this critical juncture, including through access to frozen financial assets.”
He said the world expected a move towards “inclusivity and effective counter-terrorism action” from the Afghan authorities.
Bilawal said he had also briefed FM Abdollahian on the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and thanked the Iranian leadership for its steadfast support on the Kashmir dispute.
He said they also discussed the rising tide of Islamophobia and the recent derogatory remarks by Indian officials that had “deeply offended” the global Muslim community.
“It’s time for the international community to show a common resolve against xenophobia, islamophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on basis of religion or belief,” FM Bilawal said.
He said Pakistan and Iran had long historic ties and he wanted to take the existing bilateral relationship to new heights.
“On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, I convey a message of goodwill and cordiality to Iranian brothers and sisters,” Bilawal said, adding that building close relations with Iran was a high priority for himself and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
FM Bilawal also expressed support for Iran in the ongoing nuclear deal talks, adding that he looked forward to the day when a conclusion could be reached that was the “right of the people of Iran”.
Earlier, FM Bilawal reached Iran on a two-day visit to hold talks with Iranian dignitaries on a range of issues, including bilateral ties, trade, regional security and Islamophobia.
This is Bilawal’s first official visit to Iran. He is visiting the country at the invitation of Iranian FM Amir-Abdollahian, who welcomed him upon his arrival in the neighbouring country.
Earlier, a statement by the Foreign Office said Bilawal would also call upon Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other dignitaries during the trip and would visit the Mashhad city on June 15 (today).
The FO statement said Bilawal was to share views with his Iranian counterpart on all areas of mutual interest.
It added that in delegation-level talks during the visit, “the two sides will review all facets of bilateral relations, including trade and economic ties, electricity supply from Iran, border sustenance markets, road and rail connectivity, and facilitation of Zaireen”.
“They will also review regional security situation with particular focus on developments in Afghanistan and South Asia, as well as combating Islamophobia,” the statement added.
According to the FO, Bilawal’s visit to Iran is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. “The last meeting between the two foreign ministers was held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos on 26 May 2022.”
In concluding remarks, the FO statement highlighted that “Pakistan and Iran enjoy close cooperative ties, based on shared geography, cultural affinities, and historic people-to-people linkages. These fraternal relations have been further strengthened through frequent high-level exchanges. The two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022”.
Later in the day, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is on a two-day official visit to Iran, called on the President of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, at his office in Tehran.
The Foreign Minister conveyed greetings to President Raisi on behalf of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and reiterated the official invitation to him to visit Pakistan at his convenience.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s keen desire to strengthen bilateral relations, which are rooted deep in shared history and commonalities of faith, culture and heritage. He highlighted the importance of regular exchanges to advance economic and energy cooperation, regional connectivity, operationalization of barter trade and border sustenance marketplaces, and facilitation of Zaireen visiting Iran for pilgrimage.
The Foreign Minister also took up the issue of release/transfer of Pakistani prisoners detained in Iranian prisons.
President Raisi welcomed the Foreign Minister and underscored that the two nations were bound by close historic linkages and strong fraternal ties. He noted that Iran attached great importance to its economic and trade relations with Pakistan, which had considerable potential for further growth.
Earlier during the day, the Foreign Minister held tête-à-tête with his Iranian counterpart followed by delegation-level talks. Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdollahian also hosted a working luncheon in honour of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his delegation. A joint press stakeout was also held by the two Foreign Ministers.
During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including expansion of economic relations and trade volume, additional electricity import from Iran for Makran Division in Balochistan, and effective border coordination to address the security issues, smuggling, drug trafficking and transnational crimes.
The Foreign Minister also underscored the need to hold the next session of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in August 2022.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional security situation, with particular focus on developments in Afghanistan and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appreciated the Iranian leadership’s steadfast support for the just cause of Kashmiri Muslims.
The Foreign Minister’s visit to Iran is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. The last meeting between the two Foreign Ministers was held on the sidelines of World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos on 26 May 2022.
