Iranian Consul General Saeed Kharazi called on Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here on Monday and discussed co-operation between the two countries in different sectors as well as matters of common interest.
According to an official, Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that Iran is a brotherly neighbouring country of Pakistan and both the countries have deep-rooted friendly relations. He said Iran has always supported Pakistan in the time of need and ties between the two countries are growing with the passage of time. "Whole world is facing serious economic crises and there is a need to promote further economic co-operation between the two countries in the present critical situation," he added.
According to him, Iran and Pakistan should take further steps to bring closer the people of the two counties and joint projects should be launched for the development of different sectors. There are vast opportunities of investment and co-operation in different sectors in Punjab and the Iranian government can extend co-operation in small dams, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, road construction and other sectors. Implementation of joint projects in these sectors can further cement bilateral ties.
The chief minister said that Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and is facing the threat of terrorism. He also said that due to shoddy policies of Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan is encountering multiple problems but the country could overcome the crises by evolving such policies as are aimed at upholding national interests.
"The PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has a clear stance and that is to hold dialogue instead of use power for maintaining peace and law and order. However, those trying to undermine national integrity will not be spared. All out measures are being taken for the rapid development of the province and special attention is being paid to raising the standard of living of the common man," he added.
Earlier, the Iranian Consul General expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives as a result of suicide attacks in Pakistan. He said Iran has deep interest in Pakistan's sovereignty and prosperity and will extend all out assistance to Pakistan in overcoming its existing problems and challenges.
He also said Iran and Pakistan have longstanding historical and cultural relations, and the Iranian government is deeply interested in co-operation in agriculture, health, infrastructure, culture and different sectors in Punjab. There is a vast scope of mutual co-operation between the Iranian provinces of Khurasan, Ispahan and Punjab and a delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ispahan will soon visit Punjab," he added.
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