ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of enhancing barter trade and economic ties with Iran for the mutual benefit of both countries.
He noted that there is significant potential for expanding bilateral economic cooperation across various sectors. These remarks were made during a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
During the meeting, President Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran, urging collaboration to address common challenges faced by both countries.
The Iranian Ambassador, in turn, congratulated President Zardari on assuming office and highlighted the historical, religious, and cultural bonds between Iran and Pakistan, which continue to strengthen over time.
He stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade, enhancing banking cooperation, and improving air and business connectivity between the two countries. The Ambassador also mentioned the potential benefits for Pakistan from the Chahbahar-Zahedan railroad, facilitating trade with Central Asia, Europe, and Turkey. He expressed optimism that under President Zardari’s leadership, Pak-Iran relations would experience renewed momentum. Additionally, warm regards from Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi were conveyed to the President of Pakistan.
Subsequently, President Asif Ali Zardari met with the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, Mr. Ahmed Jawad Rabei, who also congratulated him on assuming office. The Ambassador highlighted the ongoing atrocities and terror inflicted by Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
President Zardari expressed deep concern over the tragic situation faced by Palestinians due to Israeli aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine based on their historic ties. He praised the resilience and bravery of the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israeli occupation.
The President called upon the international community to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza by removing barriers and ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians. He announced Pakistan’s plans to send additional relief goods, including food and medicine, to aid the Palestinian people.
صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری سے ایران اور فلسطین کے سفراء کی الگ الگ ملاقات
پاکستان میں ایران کے سفیر ڈاکٹر رضا امیری مقدم کی صدر مملکت سے ملاقات
ایران اور پاکستان کے مفاد میں بارٹر تجارتی اور اقتصادی تعلقات فروغ دینے کی ضرورت ہے، صدر مملکت pic.twitter.com/Mv8tboAFWC
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 29, 2024
The Palestinian Ambassador also acknowledged Pakistan’s support in education, noting that over 50,000 Palestinians have graduated from Pakistani educational institutions in various disciplines. He conveyed warm regards from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s consistent support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
