Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underlined the need for tapping the vast potential in the areas of trade and economic cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration between Pakistan and Iran.

He was talking to Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Mohammad Hosseini, who called on him in Islamabad on Thursday.

The Prime Minister also emphasized on early finalization of Polan-Gwadar project that would provide additional electricity of 100 megawatt from Iran to Pakistan.

In the regional context, Shehbaz Sharif conveyed gratitude for Iran’s consistent support on the issue of Kashmir, especially by the Supreme Leader. He expressed the hope that with the continued support of the international community, the people of Kashmir would achieve their right to self-determination, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and their own wishes.

Highlighting precarious humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister underlined that the people of Afghanistan should be provided access to frozen assets. He appreciated close coordination between the two countries on the situation in Afghanistan.

Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Iran for its timely assistance in controlling forest fire in Balochistan, highlighting that it was a testament to the strong fraternal bond that exists between our two countries and peoples.

The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to the Iranian leadership and highlighted the importance of close fraternal ties between the two countries, based on shared geography, common heritage and people-to-people linkages. He also emphasized that in view of our historic relations, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, should be celebrated by both countries in a most befitting manner.

The Iranian Ambassador reiterated felicitations from the Iranian leadership to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on assumption of office and reaffirmed commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. He also highlighted close consultations between the two countries on important regional and international issues, including Afghanistan.

While emphasizing the importance of high-level exchanges, the Prime Minister renewed his invitation to the Iranian leadership to visit Pakistan, at an early date.

Source: Radio Pakistan