ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday called for expediting energy projects already agreed upon in cooperation with Iran to help the country meet its energy requirements. He was talking to Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, Interior Minister for Iran, who called on him here at the PM House. Gilani recalled his recent visit to Iran when he conveyed his greetings to the Supreme Leader, the President and the First Vice President of the Iran.
The Prime Minister said wide-ranging discussions were held on matters ofmutual interest including reconciliation process in Afghanistan on which the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for Afghan-owned and Afghan-led initiative.The Prime Minister also reiterated his vision to further strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres, particularly trade and commercial relations. He said irritants in the way must be removed.The Prime Minister said the two countries had decided to constitute a mechanism at the level of the Foreign Ministers for regular exchange of views to take bilateral cooperation to a new height.
The Prime Minister also appreciated Iran’s assistance for the flood victims in Sindh and especially thanked Interior Minister Najjar for help in the reconstruction projects in flood affected areas.The Prime Minister said Pakistan wishes to take friendly and fraternal relations with Iran to new heights as there was tremendous goodwill between the peoples of the two countries that share historical, social and cultural ties.Interior Minister Najjar assured the Prime Minister that Iran would make all efforts to execute and complete various projects in the pipeline.
He also conveyed Iranian leadership’s readiness to support Pakistan in flood relief, reconstruction and energy related projects to ensure peace and cooperation in the border areas of the two countries.
He said unity between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan could contain threats to these countries and the region.He said in addition to US $ 100 million as flood relief assistance, an Iranian cargo plane with essential items has already reached Pakistan and another cargo plane would be landing Karachi today.
Interior Minister Najjar would visit Karachi to personally hand over the relief assistance from Iran.During the Prime Minister’s visit to Iran a decision was taken to declare Rusht, the capital of Gilan province and the city of Multan as sister cities. The Prime Minister invited the Governor of Gilan during which the decision to declare Multan and Rusht sister cities will be finalized. – APP
