Chairman Senate Addresses Majlis Shura, Islamic Republic of Iran‏

Pakistan’s foreign policy are based on the internationally recognized principles of sovereign equality,

Islamabad: August 05, 2012                  
The Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari while addressing the Majlis Shura Islami (Iranian Parliament) has said that guiding principles of Pakistan’s foreign policy are based on the internationally recognized principles of sovereign equality, non interference in internal affairs of other states, respect for territorial integrity, non aggression and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said that Pakistan believes that in the present globalized world, the multifaceted problems could be resolved through proactive participation in multilateral institutions and organizations. We are committed to finding a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute, the Chairman Senate stated.
Regarding bilateral ties, the Chairman Senate remarked that Pakistan and Iran share common perceptions on international and regional issues and closely cooperate in international forums. He mentioned that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after it became an independent state in 1947 and now the two countries share more than six decades of close fraternal relations which have stood the test of time. He expressed his satisfaction that Pakistan-Iran relations have smoothly progressed over the years into an equation based on principles of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
Nayyer Bokhari further said that there is a strong bond of affinity between the leaderships of the two countries.  President Ahmedinejad was the first Head of State to visit Pakistan after the present Government of Pakistan took office in 2008. He again visited Pakistan earlier this year in February 2012.  President Zardari has visited Iran four times since taking over as the President of Pakistan. He said Iran and Pakistan are two important players in the region, sharing common borders, their unique strategic location place them in a way that the nature and content of their bilateral relations is bound to have a profound impact on the peace and stability of the entire region.
Talking about the cooperation between the two, the Chairman Senate observed that a number of important projects between the two countries are in the pipeline. These include the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project through which Pakistan will receive gas from Iran by December 2014; a project for the supply of 100 MW electricity by Iran to the Pakistan port city of Gwadar; and a project for the supply of additional 1,000 MW electricity by Iran to Pakistan. Besides, the Chairman Senate pointed out that a number of proposals are also under consideration of the two sides. These comprise the proposals regarding the establishment of new border immigration posts at Gabd (Pakistan)-Rimdan (Iran) and Mand-Pashin; opening of Pakistan Consulate at Bandar-e-Abbas; opening of Pakistan Cultural Center in Tehran; and up-gradation of 633 Kms Quetta-Taftan railway track.
He emphasized that it is time to move towards a more multi-faceted and a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship in all areas, particularly trade and investment, energy, security, communication and infrastructure.
Nayyer Bokhari underlined the need that Pakistan-Iran inter-Parliamentary relations should be strengthened alongside our economic and trade linkages. “Close cooperation among our Parliaments is very essential to bring people closer to each other. It will provide us a mechanism through which we can make a difference in promoting shared ideals of democracy, peace and development”, Bokhari said.
As founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, we are working together to promote cultural and economic cooperation amongst the member states of the organization.
Being victims of terrorism, the Chairman Senate observed that the two countries are determined to fight and eliminate this scourge and oppose it in all its forms and manifestations.
  He called upon the leaders of the entire Muslim Ummah to build senergies and work for the wellbeing, prosperity and betterment of Muslim World.
At the outset, the Chairman Senate thanked speaker of Majlis Shura Islami (Iranian Parliament) Dr. Ali Larijani, the members of the Majlis, and the Government and people of Iran for the warm hospitality in Iran.  The Chairman Senate also visited the Shrine of Hazarat Imam Reza (AS) and the holy city of Qom.  He also thanked Dr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani for the unique opportunity to address fellow Members of the Shura and Iranian friends and brothers, who have always been close to hearts.
“I am confident that Pakistan and Iran relations will continue to flourish in the days and years ahead and grow into a more mutually beneficial relationship”, Nayyer Bokhari observed.
He said that Pakistan deeply treasures and values its fraternal ties with Iran and two countries enjoy a unique relationship that draws strength from the abiding kinship of common faith, cultural affinities and shared traditions that go many centuries back. Our complete trust in each other and convergence of views on bilateral, regional and international issues, has lent extra depth to our already strong ties.