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Pakistani President for boosting Pak-Iran bilateral trade

Iran Materials 21 February 2013 02:48 (UTC +04:00)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari here Wednesday reiterated commitment of government to further bolster Pak-Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas, particularly energy and economic fields, IRNA reported.
Pakistani President for boosting Pak-Iran bilateral trade

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari here Wednesday reiterated commitment of government to further bolster Pak-Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas, particularly energy and economic fields, IRNA reported.

The President was speaking to the visiting Iranian delegation headed by the Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi, which called on him at the Presidency in Islamabad.

Spokesperson to the President, Senator Farhatullah Babar, said that during the meeting, President Asif Ali highlighted Pakistan's energy needs and the steps needed to meet the same.

The President also called for greater connectivity between the two countries and stressed the need for moving forward on 'ECO Container Train' project.

He also said that regular operation of ECO Train would lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.

The President said that Pakistan would welcome technical and financial support of Iran for up-grading of the Quetta-Taftan Railway track.

He also called for improved visa facilitation, opening of the new border posts and removing tariff and non-tariff barriers for stepping up trade and commerce.

The President also stressed need for early finalization of the agreement to export wheat to Iran.

President Zardari urged the businessmen of the two countries for optimum utilization of the trade and investment potential existing between the two countries.

Expressing his deepest concern over sectarian killing by the terrorists, the President said that Pakistan was fully determined to bring perpetrators of the crimes to justice.

He said Pakistan was examining the feasibility of starting special direct flights from Quetta and Gilgit to Mashhad.

The President expressed satisfaction over the recent signing of Security Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Iran and said the enhanced cooperation in the area of border security would help in countering terrorism, cross-border crimes and drugs trade.

Issues in regional situation also came under discussion.

On situation in Afghanistan, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan's support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process in that country.

The President called for employing the collective strength of the Muslims and the need to shun violence in meeting the emerging challenges in the region.

"We have to take control of our own affairs and to find our own solutions to the problems, he added".

From Iran side, those who attended the meeting included Ambassador Ali-Reza Haqiqian and a number of senior diplomats and officials accompanying the Iranian Minister.

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