AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: The Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 11-13 September, 2011. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister, Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Professional and Technical Training, Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Textile Industry, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Senator Sughra Hussain Imam and senior officials.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan was accorded a very warm and cordial welcome on arrival in Tehran, reflecting the close bonds of brotherly relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister held talks with President Dr. Mahmood Ahmadinejad and the First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi. He also met the Speaker of the Iranian Majlis, Dr. Ali Larijani.
The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions were characterized by similarity of views on important issues. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing bilateral cooperation comprehensively.
They noted that Iran and Pakistan shared deep cultural and historical bonds and that there were immense opportunities to optimally utilize their economic complementarities for shared progress and prosperity.
The two sides expressed their determination to further strengthen the bilateral relations by enhancing closer cooperation in all areas including political, security, economic, commercial, cultural and people to people relations.
They noted that a number of mechanisms including a Joint Economic Commission at ministerial level are already in place and a number of agreements have been signed for the promotion of bilateral economic interaction.
They agreed to fast track implementation of various joint projects, create a facilitative regime to enhance economic and trade cooperation, upgrade rail and road connectivity and take steps for shared progress and prosperity.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter terrorism and to interdict drug trafficking.
The two sides agreed that the ECO region possessed great potential for the development of economies of the member countries. They shared the view that ECO could play an important role in accelerating the progress and development of the entire region.
It was agreed between the two sides to enhance mutual interaction through regular exchange of high level visits with a view to strengthening the fraternal relations between Pakistan and I.R. Iran. For this propose they decided to establish a Joint Working Group led by the two Foreign Ministers and a Security Committee, led by the two Interior Ministers.
Expressing satisfaction over the two countries’ cooperation in energy including Oil, Gas and Electricity, both sides stressed implementation of the agreements within the framework of the signed documents pertaining to Gas Pipeline and Iran-Pakistan Electricity transmission line.
In view of the importance of cooperation in banking for promotion of trade and economic cooperation both parties stressed the necessity for providing the two countries’ businessmen and employers with appropriate banking facilities.
Both Parties stressed the need for taking full advantage of the potential of Iran-Pakistan Joint Investment Company (PAIR) to implement joint projects in the two countries.
Both parties agreed to upgrade the necessary facilities for strengthening cooperation in the tourism and cultural fields.
The two side agreed to enhance mutual corporation in the areas of medical, scientific and technical training.
Underlining the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan the two sides expressed their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned process of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.
Keeping in view the importance of a regional solution the two sides reiterated their commitment to the Afghanistan-Iran-Pakistan trilateral mechanism.
The Prime Minster of Pakistan also visited his ancestral city in Gilan province as well as the city of Mashad to pay homage at the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Reza (A.S).
The two sides agreed to declare Multan and Rasht (capital city of Gilan province) as sister cities. Necessary legal formalities in this regard will be completed expeditiously by the concerned authorities.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and the traditional hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan extended cordial invitation to the President and the First Vice President of the I.R. Iran to pay official visits to Pakistan. The invitations were accepted with gratitude.
For more information, contact:
Syed Haider Ali Jafri
Personal Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tel: +9251 921 0335 and 9056604