Geo436.com blog: President for further strengthening Pak-Iran ties

Geo436 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Friday urged further strengthening of Pak-Iran bilateral cooperation in all areas particularly trade, energy, communication and infrastructure.

Talking to Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Mashaalah Shakeri at Aiwan-e-Sadr the President said Pakistan attaches great importance to its friendly equation with Iran and regards it an important friend and player in the region. Matters relating to bilateral relations, Iranian assistance for rehabilitation of the flood affected and regional situation were discussed during the meeting.

The President appreciated the Iranian Government and its people for their generous support and assistance during the recent devastating floods.

He emphasised enhanced connectivity projects through improved roads, rail and airlinks between the two countries. The President said the successful operation of Islamabad- Tehran- Istanbul container train was a major step to improve intra-regional cooperation and business opportunities among the three important regional countries.

The President commenting on fight against militancy said the whole region was facing the common enemy of militancy and urged a joint strategy and mutual cooperation to curb violent extremism.

Mashaalah Shakeri thanked the President for meeting and assured continued support of the Iranian government to the government and people of Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood affected.

Deputy Head of Mission Mansour Afrasiabi also accompanied the ambassador.