Iranian journalists call on Pakistani foreign minister

ISLAMABAD (APP) – Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday briefed Iranian journalists about the warm and cordial Pakistan-Iran relations and the role Pakistan has been playing to promote peace and stability in the region.

Tehran Times Political Editor M.A. Saki, Iran Daily Managing Director Aziz Shah Mohammadi, and Subeh-e Zahedan Managing Director Adel Madari called on the top Pakistani diplomat.

Qureshi said that Pakistan and Iran have strong relations anchored in history, common faith and cultural affinities.

He said the government and the people of Pakistan have immense affection for Iran.

Pakistani Foreign Minister stated since the democratic government in Pakistan took over last year, relations between the two countries have come a long way, including agreement on the long-pending Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline.

The Foreign Minister said that the current bilateral trade, which is close to $1 billion, was not representative of the potential and political goodwill existing between the two countries.

He added that Pakistan would like to see the bilateral trade and economic relations increasing manifold in the years ahead to mutual benefit of both the countries.

Qureshi emphasized the need for injecting more vitality into the Economic Cooperation Organization for the benefit of all its members.

He said that there were elements who wanted to create misunderstanding between the two countries through their nefarious designs and actions.

Pakistan-Iran should be cognizant of such forces, underlining that bilateral relations were strong and deep-rooted and could take care of such anti Pakistan-Iran forces.

He also said that ongoing cooperation between the two countries would be able to tackle issues related to terrorism, smuggling and trans-national organized crimes.

In this regard, the trilateral process involving Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan is also playing an important role.

Briefing the delegation about Pakistan’s relations with India, Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s desire to create durable peace in south Asia by resolving all outstanding disputes with India.

Members of the delegation thanked the Foreign Minister for receiving them and undertook to contribute positively towards further promoting and strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

The Iranian media delegation also called on Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday. He said the government was determined to leading all efforts for the development of free and independent media in Pakistan and would continue keeping close coordination with journalist community.

Pakistani Minister is keen to further promote bilateral relations with Iran in all fields including media.

Secretary Information, Ashfaq Gondal and Managing Director, Pakistan Television, Arshad Khan were also present on the occasion.

The Minister said Pakistan greatly values and is keen to further promoting its brotherly relations with Iran as both the countries share common faith, history, culture and heritage.

He said Iran is an important country in the region and we value our cooperation with it for promoting peace and stability in the region.

The Minister said Pakistani nation is fighting for a peaceful Pakistan and for that aspiration, the nation stands united behind the democratic government in the country‘s war against terrorism.

Ashfaq Gondal informed the delegation that media enjoys freedom here as a large number of TV channels were currently operating in Pakistan.

A senior member of the delegation, Aziz Shah Mohammadi appreciated the government for its efforts undertaken for creating a conducive atmosphere for free and independent media in Pakistan.

Photo:

Tehran Times Political Editor M.A. Saki, Iran Daily Managing Director Aziz Shah Mohammadi, and Subeh-e Zahedan Managing Director Adel Madari met with Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday in Islamabad. (Photo: APP)

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