President Alvi underscores need for establishment of regular bilateral mechanisms between Pakistan & Iran

ASHGABAT: President Dr. Arif Alvi has underscored the need for establishment of regular bilateral mechanisms between Pakistan and Iran for trade including utilization of barter trade mechanism.

He was talking to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, on the sidelines of the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Ashgabat on Sunday.

The President underlined that Pakistan considers Iran as an important Muslim neighbour and brother based on deep-rooted historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries.

He expressed satisfaction at the recent operationalization of International Road Transport shipments from Pakistan to Turkey and Azerbaijan, which would be beneficial for the entire ECO region.

President Dr. Arif Alvi also thanked Iran’s consistent support to the Kashmir cause, particularly from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

On regional situation, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for closely coordinated approach to achieve shared objectives of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

He laid emphasis on urgent provision of humanitarian and economic assistance to alleviate the sufferings of people of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile President Dr. Arif Alvi met his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon wherein they reaffirmed the commitment to continue joint efforts for further solidification of close bilateral ties.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th ECO Summit in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on Sunday. The President underscored the importance of deepening trade and investment relations forging a stronger economic partnership.

The two leaders reviewed state of implementation of CASA-1000 Power Transmission Line Project and committed to its early completion.

President Alvi highlighted prospects of regional integration and connectivity to Tajikistan and Central Asian countries through Pakistan’s seaports.

The two leaders discussed in detail the regional challenges faced by both Pakistan and Tajikistan due to deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

The President apprised President Rahmon of Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability and to mobilise international support to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

He underscored that de-freezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets is also crucial in preventing economic collapse in the country.

The President underlined the imperatives of inclusiveness, respect for rights of all Afghans, and ensuring that Afghanistan’s territory is not used against any country.

President Alvi stressed the importance for both Pakistan and Tajikistan to work together to advance the shared objectives of peace, reconciliation and stability in Afghanistan.

Both Presidents agreed to maintain high-level exchanges between the two countries with a view to advancing close cooperation on bilateral and regional matters.

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