LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that the Pakistan-Iran friendship comprised over decades and Pakistan wanted to enhance cooperation with Iran in various economic welfare projects, especially poverty eradication.

Punjab Chief Minister said this while talking to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and First Lady Jamileh Alamolhoda at Governor House Lahore today during a luncheon arranged in the honour of Iranian dignitaries. The Iranian delegation was served with traditional foods of Punjab.

On the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said there was a need to increase bilateral cooperation for industrial and agricultural development. The CM said Pakistanwould welcome Iran’s investment in Punjab’s value-added livestock market, adding that the two countries can earn a lot of foreign exchange by establishing FMD zones and exporting halal meat.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif told the Iranian delegation that Punjab possessed excellent investment opportunities in the green energy sector.

On the occasion, Maryam Nawaz prayed for the prosperity and peace of the people of Iran. Chief Minister Maryam also thanked the Iranian President and his wife for their visit to Lahore.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and First Lady Jamileh Alamolhoda thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the warm welcome.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Information Minister Uzma Zahid Bukhari, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman, Provincial Minister Secondary Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Provincial Minister Food Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister Industries Chaudhry Shafi Hussain, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Lahore, Iranian Consul General and other officials attended the ceremony.