Iran, Pakistan Call For Enhanced Ties

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani (L) welcomes Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Islamabad yesterday.

Iran and Pakistan, in a session of their joint economic commission, have agreed to further enhance their bilateral ties in different spheres.

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi headed the Iranian team at the 18th session of the two countries' joint economic commission in Islamabad yesterday, holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and calling for expansion of ties between the two neighbor countries.

Salehi also called for joint efforts by Iran and Pakistan in fight against terrorism.

The Iranian official urged acceleration of cooperation between the countries on joint road and rail transportation as well as power generation and transmission projects.

He said Iran has considered suitable facilities for both countries' businesspeople and called for facilitation of the existing regulations.

Gilani underlined importance of bilateral and regional cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad on the basis of historical commonalties. He also said that activating the two countries' private sectors guaranteed implementation of their government's decisions.

Salehi also met with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar yesterday, and discussed developments in the region and Islamic countries.

Salehi and Rabbani said that interferences by foreign powers were against security and progress of regional states.

Salehi also met with Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik yesterday; the two discussed security matters and cooperation between Iranian and Pakistani interior ministries.

Source: Press TV, Iran, September 8, 2011