Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Asad Qaiser has said Iran is the neighbouring country of Pakistan and they fully support demands for lifting all international restrictions on it. Talking to Iranian Consul General Saeed Zeenati here in Assembly Secretariat Friday, he said that Pakistan and Iran were not only neighbours, but its people were also tied in the bond of religion with each other.
The newly appointed Iranian Consul General was visiting on the special invitation of the KP Speaker. During the meeting, the Speaker discussed matters relating to international affairs and situation in the region. The Speaker, KP Assembly termed cordial relations with neighbours essential for peace in the region. He said cordial diplomatic relations with Iran had great importance in its ties with its neighbours, which was essential for bringing peace and stability in the region.
He said Iran enjoyed an historic status and had big potential and in case of lifting international restrictions it could achieve the goal of progress and development, adding Iran had stood and by Pakistan in very difficult time. Asad Qaiser said Iran was first Muslim brethren state that supported Pakistan in the United Nations. He said they were in favour of free trade with Iran, which would not only help strengthen the economy of both countries, but would also promote people to people contacts between them. He said free trade would also help build confidence and cement friendship between both countries.
Talking about his recent visit to Iran, the Speaker, KP Assembly said he was extended great honour by the people of Iran. He said during visit, he practically witnessed the hard work and energetic people of Iran and in case of getting proper opportunity no doubt Iran would become a strong economic power in the world.
He expressed the hope that the exchange of delegations between countries would help strengthen the environment of friendship between both neighbouring countries. He also discussed international affairs of Iran with the guest and got first-hand information from him. The Speaker KP Assembly pledged that he would not only continue his efforts for promotion of the contacts of parliamentarians, but also people to people contacts. The Iranian CG thanked the Speaker for according welcome to him and was confident that the process of such meetings would remain continue in future too.
Later, Speaker, KP Assembly, Asad Qaiser presented a souvenir to the CG of the Islamic Republic of Iran.