Iran's Fars province and Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation, IRNA reported.
Governor General of Fars province, Hussain Sadiq Abeden and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Amir Haider Khan Hoti signed the MoU in a simple but dignified ceremony.
Before signing the MoU, Hussain Sadiq Abeden held talks with Amir Haider Khan Hoti and discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Masood Kausar, Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Karamatullah Khan, senior ministers were also present in the meeting.
The meeting took place in a pleasant environment between the two leaders and both agreed on joint and practical efforts for more cooperation between government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fars in different sectors.
After the meeting, the Chief Minister hosted a lunch in the honor of the visiting Iranian governor and his delegation. A large number of parliamentarians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were also present on the occasion.
Iranian Provincial Governor General, Hussain Sadiq Abeden addressing a joint press conference after signing the MoU said that Iran and Pakistan have exemplary relations and the people of two countries are bound together in centuries-old ties of brotherhood
He said that Iran and Pakistan are ready to counter the conspiracies of enemies. He went on to say that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti had visited Shiraz to enhance cooperation between Iran and Pakistan.
Hussain Sadiq Abeden expressing his views said that Iran can help Pakistan in various sectors especially in power sector. He reiterated the significance of improving mutual relations in diversified fields.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti on the occasion welcomed the visit of Governor General of Fars province and said that his visit will further strengthen existing religious, cultural, trade and industrial ties between the two countries.
He said that he can't forget the love and warmth he received during his visit to Shiraz and Isfahan.
The chief minister also lauded efforts of Iranian Consul General in Peshawar Hasan Darwish Wand for making the visit of Iranian governor general possible.
The CM said that Iran has ample opportunities of investment in Tourism, hydel power generation and various other sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He said that people of both the countries would benefit from investment in these sectors.
He said that the region where Pakistan is located is nowadays facing lot of challenges which can be met with the help of Iran.
Amir Haider Khan Hoti talking IRNA said that the MoU is indeed a mile stone and in beginning of a new era. 'We have identified areas where we can cooperate and help each other,' he said.
The CM said that there is lot of potential for boosting cooperation between both of the provinces. 'This is a historic MoU which will provide basis to strengthen the relationship between the two nations," said Amir Haider Khan Hoti. He went on to say that time will come when we will transform this MoU in effective projects.
According to the MoU Fars and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces will cooperate in education, health, livestock and agriculture, energy and power, mining, industry, trade, tourism and information sectors.
Governor General of Fars province, Hussain Sadiq Abeden also visited the historic Peshawar museum and took special interest in the items preserved over there.
The Iranian Governor General also visited Peshawar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and discussed ways to enhance trade relations between the two provinces.
Meanwhile Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Peshawar University have signed an MoU on joint research and student exchange programs.
Vice Chancellor Peshawar University Qibla Ayaz and President of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Muhammad Hadi Imaniyeh signed the MoU. On the occasion the Iranian delegation presented a handmade carpet to Qibla Ayaz.