TEHRAN:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday proposed a currency swap agreement with Iran to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries. He said Pakistan was already in a dialogue process with Turkey, Sri Lanka and China for currency swap arrangements.
President Zardari made this proposal during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmedinejad on Saturday, as he arrived in Tehran on a day-long trip. Delegation level talks took place followed by a meeting between the two presidents. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain and the president’s spokesman were part of the delegation.
Zardari proposed to the Iranian government the creation of an ‘Integrated Border Management Regime’, which he said would help counter extremism and militancy.
He said that a trilateral initiative involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran would help counter illegal human and drug trafficking.
Enhancing economic ties
President Zardari said the trade volume between the two countries should be increased from $1 billion to $4 billion in the next few years. He proposed a ‘free trade agreement’ between the two countries. Energy sector cooperation was also discussed.
Constructive role in Afghanistan
President Zardari said Iran and Pakistan possessed the potential of taking up joint economic projects in Afghanistan, especially those related to building infrastructure. He said Pakistan supported the national reconciliation process initiated by Afghan President Hamid Karzai for peace in Afghanistan, while adding that Afghanistan should not again become a play-field for proxy wars after the withdrawal of Nato forces.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2011.
COMMENTS (4)
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As much as people don't like Zardari, this is a great move! But very little compared to the potential that exists with Pakistan's western border neighbours.
Well Done Mr. Zardari.........Many congratulations to you Please make sure that relationship with Iran should not be strengthened at the cost of relations with Saudi Arabia instead a policy should be adopted to bring both Muslim countries closer to each other and Mr. Zardari you are in a position to do this.
Great efforts by Asif Ali Zardari.We should assosiate with Iran, China,Turkey, Russia and Afghanistan as regional players for peace and prosparity.
NICE