Zardari for opening of the new Iran border posts

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for improved visa facilitation, opening of the new border posts and removing tariff and non-tariff barriers for stepping up trade and commerce.

The President was speaking to the visiting Iranian delegation headed by Rostam Ghasemi, Iranian Oil Minister, which called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here.

The President also stressed early finalization of the agreement to export wheat to Iran.

President Zardari urged businessmen of the two countries for optimum utilization of the trade and investment potential existing between the two countries.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that during the meeting, President Asif Ali highlighted Pakistan’s energy needs and the steps needed to meet the same.

The President also called for greater connectivity between the two countries and stressed the need to move forward on “ECO Container Train” project.

He said that regular operation of ECO Train would lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.

The President said that Pakistan would welcome technical and financial support of Iran for up-grading of the Quetta-Taftan Railway track.

Expressing his deepest concern over sectarian killing by the terrorists, the President said that Pakistan was fully determined to bring perpetrators of the crimes to justice.

He said Pakistan was examining the feasibility of starting special direct flights from Quetta and Gilgit to Mashhad.

The President expressed satisfaction over the recent signing of Security Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Iran and said the enhanced cooperation in the area of border security would help in countering terrorism, cross-border crimes and drugs trade.

Issues in regional situation also came under discussion, the spokesperson said.

President Zardari reiterated the commitment of government to further bolster Pak-Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas, particularly energy and economic fields.

On situation in Afghanistan, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s support to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process in that country.

The President called for employing the collective strengths of Muslims and the need to shun violence in meeting the emerging challenges in the region.

“We have to take control of our own affairs and find our own solutions to the problems, he added”.

From Iran side, those who attended the meeting included Ambassador Alireza Haghighian and a number of senior diplomats and officials accompanying the Iranian Minister.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Feb 20 2013. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.