Iran and Pakistan can play an important part in establishing peace and stability in the region

   August 4, 2012


Iran and Pakistan can play an important part in establishing peace and stability in the region. This was stated by Senate Chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari during his meeting with Iranian Speaker Dr. Ali Larijani this morning.

The Senate Chairman referred to Parliamentary relations between Pakistan and Iran and said “We want to enhance these ties in all areas”. He emphasized the need for increasing the volume of trade between the two counties saying that given the potentials of the two countries the present level of $1.3 billion trade was insufficient.

Referring to the scourge of terrorism being faced by Pakistan, the Senate Chairman said, Pakistan has paid a high price in its fight against extremism and terrorism as it lost its dear leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir  Bhutto in a terrorist attack. He called for Pakistan-Iran close cooperation in uprooting the menace from the region. He said Pakistan government and people would never allow anyone to use Pakistani territory for operations against any brother country.

Touching upon the significance of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the Senate Chairman expressed the hope that it would be completed on time to help Pakistan overcome its energy shortage. He also called for establishing more border posts in order to increase trade between the two countries.

On the Afghanistan issues, the Senate Chairman said that Pakistan believes in an Afghan owned solution to the problem. He said trilateral cooperation among the three countries of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan was imperative in establishing durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Senate Chairman thanked Iranian leadership for its support for the Kashmir cause adding that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Dr. Larijani in his remarks said that Iran-Pakistan enjoyed special relations embedded in their common culture and history. He said Iran was keen to enhance economic relations with Pakistan in all areas. Referring to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, he described it as a symbol of relations between the two countries.

On Afghanistan, the Iranian Speaker said that Pakistan’s role is a key to bringing peace and stability to that country.
 
The Iranian Speaker also informed the Senate Chairman about Iran’s stance on regional issues particularly Syria and Bahrain.

The Senate Chairman extended an invitation to the Iranian Speaker to visit Pakistan which he accepted with pleasure.