Zardari urges workable solution to IP issue

A day after his arrival in Pakistan, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Dr Ali Ardashir Larijani on Tuesday held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement issued by the President House, Dr Larijani called on Zardari along with Iran Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam.

SNSC Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Security Ali Bagheri, SNSC Deputy for Security Alireza Bayat and SNSC Secretary of the Asia, Eurasia and Oceania Committee Alireza Taqavaei-Zadeh were also part of his delegation.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, PPP leader Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, the secretary foreign affairs and the secretary national security also attended the meeting.

According to the statement, matters related to the regional and international situation as well as security and counterterrorism also came under discussion. Zardari noted that Pakistan and Iran enjoy a longstanding relationship rooted in history, faith and culture.

He said Pakistan wished to work closely with Iran to increase bilateral trade, adding that the rail link between the two neighbours should be strengthened on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism.

He noted that improved connectivity would make it easier for businesses and travellers, especially the pilgrims, and would help deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

On the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, the president stressed the need for a mutually workable solution, noting Pakistan's growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looked forward to continuing talks in Tehran.

The president thanked the Iranian leadership for its solidarity with Pakistan after the recent floods, including the humanitarian assistance sent by the Iranian Red Crescent. Cooperation between neighbouring countries was essential and in the shared interest of both nations, he added.

He thanked Iran for its consistent support during the war with India and reiterated Pakistan's political and diplomatic backing for Iran in the wake of Israeli aggression.

He praised the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent war and commended the leadership shown by Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei.

He also expressed appreciation for Iran's principled support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as well as for Palestine. The president welcomed Dr Larijani and congratulated him on assuming charge of the SNSC.

He said that frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflected positive momentum in bilateral ties and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian president in August.

Dr Larijani conveyed the best wishes and regards of the supreme leader and President Masoud Pezeshkian to Zardari. He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year.

He praised the valour and success of Pakistan armed forces in recent events and said Pakistan's victory was their victory.

He said that following the Iranian president's visit to Pakistan, several directives had been issued to give preferential access to Pakistani products in Iran, creating a clear path toward achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion.

The SNSC secretary also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stressed the importance of the historic and close brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized strengthening and expanding bilateral ties across various sectors.

Dr Larijani also underscored the need to enhance Pakistan–Iran relations in broad and mutually beneficial areas.

During the meeting, both sides discussed key regional and international developments and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region.

The PM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working with Iran for a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations.

It was agreed that a delegation led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will soon visit Iran to further enhance cooperation between the two countries, particularly in agriculture and connectivity.

Earlier, Dar received Dr Larijani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who arrived in Islamabad on his official visit to Pakistan on Monday night.

According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Larijani is scheduled to meet Pakistan's top leadership during his official visit to review the latest developments in bilateral relations, following up on joint agreements, regional and international issues, and matters of significance to the Islamic world.

The SNSC is the national security council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The council was formed for the protection and support of national interests and Islamic revolution and territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the country.

The council is responsible for determining the defence and national security policies of the country within the framework of general policies determined by the supreme leader.

It also coordinates political activities, intelligence, social, cultural and economic fields relating to general policies of defence and national security. The SNSC is also responsible for exploitation of material and intellectual resources of the country for facing internal and external threats.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)