Bilateral cooperation: Iranian deputy minister calls on NAB chief

Both sides discuss resolutions which are being tabled at the UN moot

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance contacts and strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

This was agreed during a meeting between Iranian Deputy Minister of Justice Ali Reza Abedi Kazemi and National Accountability Bureau Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry at St. Petersburg, Russia on Thursday, said a press release.

The Iranian delegation led by Kazemi called on NAB chairman on the sidelines of 6th session of conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) at the Russian city.

Both sides discussed various resolutions which are being tabled on different issues/aspects related to provisions of UNCAC.

Chaudhry highlighted the significance of relationship of the two brotherly Muslim countries.

He also explained the working of NAB, its three-pronged strategy --- awareness, prevention and enforcement – and the overall anti-corruption regime in Pakistan.

Kazemi explained Iran’s anti-corruption regime.

He said that there is no central authority on anti-corruption in his country. There are mainly five institutions which are dealing with corruption in Iran, Kazemi added.

Ministry of Justice is the focal point for UNCAC, he said.

Both sides agreed to have more frequent contacts and cooperation on issues of mutual interests.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2015.