UN4U and briefing on UN via Skype for members of Materials and Energy Research Centre

Former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in a meeting with Iran’s Consul in Karachi Mehdi Sobhani called for the expansion of mutual cooperation in all areas, especially in trade and economy, AVA Diplomatic reports.

“The Pakistani government supports the implementation of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline (IP) project as Islamabad wants broadened relations with Tehran in all areas,” Zardari said.

Zardari said that during his government, big steps had been taken to further strengthen ties between Iran and Pakistan, adding, “Signing of gas pipeline agreement was one of the important measures taken during my government.”

Sobhani, for his part, said that Iran is looking forward to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in all areas, specially trade and economy.

In relevant remarks in late December, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Asif Khan Durrani called for the broadening of trade relations between Islamabad and Tehran.

“There is a tremendous scope to strengthen trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Iran,” Durrani said during a visit to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The Pakistani ambassador in Tehran was in Pakistan to explain huge trade potentials in Iran for Pakistani businessmen.

Durrani pointed to the hurdles in trade between Iran and Pakistan, and said, “The unavailability of banking channel is one of the biggest reasons of limited trade between the two countries; through exploiting trade and investment opportunities, mutual trade volume could easily touch new heights.”

Durrani invited the Pakistani businessmen to participate in the ‘Aleeshan Pakistan’ exhibition slated for March 4-7 in Tehran, adding that it would provide an opportunity to establish new contacts with their Iranian counterparts, which is essential to boost two-way trade.

The Iranian president and Pakistan prime minister have already agreed to boost trade volume to $5 billion.