Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for strengthening the rail link with Iran on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism, emphasizing Pakistan’s desire to closely work with Iran to increase bilateral trade. He was speaking with Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, the Iranian Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who visited him in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, the President highlighted that improved connectivity would facilitate businesses and travelers, particularly the Zaireen, thereby enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. On the subject of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, he underscored the necessity for a mutually workable solution, citing Pakistan’s escalating energy needs. He appreciated the recent technical discussions held in Islamabad and expressed eagerness to continue these talks in Tehran.
President Zardari extended gratitude to the Iranian leadership for their solidarity with Pakistan following recent floods, including the humanitarian aid provided by the Iranian Red Crescent. He emphasized that collaboration between neighboring countries is vital and serves the shared interest of both populations. The President also thanked Iran for its steadfast support during the conflict with India and reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic backing for Iran amidst Israeli aggression.
Commending the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent war, President Zardari praised the leadership of the Supreme Leader. He also acknowledged Iran’s principled backing for the people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for Palestine. Additionally, he welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him on assuming charge of the Supreme National Security Council, noting that frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflect positive momentum in bilateral relations. He fondly recalled his meeting with the Iranian President in August.
In his remarks, Dr. Larijani conveyed the best wishes and regards from the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, and President Masoud Pezeshkian to President Zardari. He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year and lauded the valor and success of the Pakistani armed forces in recent events, stating that Pakistan’s victory is also a victory for Iran.
Dr. Larijani noted that following the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, several directives were issued to provide preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, establishing a clear route toward achieving the bilateral trade goal of ten billion dollars. The discussion also covered regional and international issues, as well as security and counterterrorism matters.