President Dr Arif Alvi expressing satisfaction on regular high-level interactions with the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday emphasized utilization of barter trade mechanism with Tehran, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between President Dr Arif Alvi and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, on the sidelines of the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Ashgabat, said a statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.
President Alvi congratulated President Raisi on assuming the office of the President of Iran after his victory in recent elections.
He underlined that Pakistan considered Iran as an important Muslim neighbour and brother based on deep-rooted historical, linguistic, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the regular high-level interactions which had reinforced different avenues of bilateral cooperation.
President Alvi highlighted that Pakistan accorded highest priority to shift geo-economic prosperity and regional connectivity agenda.
He expressed satisfaction at the recent operationalization of International Road Transport (TIR) shipments from Pakistan to Turkey and Azerbaijan, which would be beneficial for the entire ECO region.
President Alvi thanked Iran’s consistent support to the Kashmir cause, particularly from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.
On regional situation, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, President Alvi noted the increased convergence of views among the neighbouring countries. He emphasised the need for closely coordinated approach to achieve shared objectives of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
He laid emphasis on urgent provision of humanitarian and economic assistance to alleviate the sufferings of people of Afghanistan. He stressed on the de-freezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets in this respect.
President Arif Alvi reiterated the invitation for a bilateral visit to Pakistan to President Raisi at his earliest convenience.
The two leaders agreed to stay engaged on all issues of mutual interest.
Meeting with Tajik leader
President Alvi also met his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon wherein they expressed satisfaction on existing state of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed commitment to continue joint efforts for further solidification of their close ties.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th ECO Summit in Ashgabat, according to President House statement issued in Islamabad.
The president appreciated the momentum of high-level exchanges including the visit of President Rahmon to Pakistan in June 2021, and the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Tajikistan in September this year.
The president underscored the importance of deepening trade and investment ties forging a stronger economic partnership.
The two leaders reviewed state of implementation of CASA-1000 Power Transmission Line Project and committed to its early completion.
President Alvi highlighted prospects of regional integration and connectivity to Tajikistan and Central Asian countries through Pakistan’s seaports.
The two leaders discussed in detail the regional challenges faced by both Pakistan and Tajikistan due to deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
The president underlined that the neighbouring countries will be affected the most from instability in Afghanistan.
He apprised President Rahmanov of Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability and to mobilise international support to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. He underscored that de-freezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets was also crucial in preventing economic collapse in the country.
The president underlined the imperatives of inclusiveness, respect for rights of all Afghans, and ensuring that Afghanistan’s territory was not used against any country.
President Alvi stressed the importance for both Pakistan and Tajikistan to work together to advance the shared objectives of peace, reconciliation and stability in Afghanistan.
He further stressed that sustainable peace in Afghanistan will help unlock the vast trade and economic potential in the region and promote the connectivity agenda.
Both Presidents agreed to maintain high-level exchanges between the two countries with a view to advancing close cooperation on bilateral and regional matters.