Shafaqna Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and brotherly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, while reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across the region through sustained diplomatic efforts.
The remarks came during a meeting with a six-member Iranian delegation led by Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Seyyed Muhammad Atabak, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing.
During the meeting, the prime minister said he had recently held a productive discussion with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on efforts to establish lasting regional peace and further strengthen Pakistan-Iran bilateral ties, with particular emphasis on expanding trade and economic cooperation.
Expressing his optimism, he said sustained efforts by both countries would help achieve the bilateral trade target of US$10 billion, as set by the leadership of Pakistan and Iran.
He highlighted that expanding trade, especially in food, agricultural commodities and related products, would bring significant economic benefits to both countries.
Both sides agreed to enhance cross-border trade by improving border facilities to ensure 24-hour border operations, strengthening logistics infrastructure and harmonising customs procedures.
They also agreed to increase cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones.
The prime minister also conveyed his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian Minister Mohammad Atabak expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the Iranian delegation.
He praised Pakistan’s leadership and people for their sincere diplomatic efforts toward regional peace and for expressing solidarity with Iran.
The Iranian minister reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to further expand economic and commercial relations with Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed the relevant authorities to adopt an effective and comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the participation of world-class investors in the privatisation of power distribution companies (discos).
Chairing a review meeting on the privatisation of discos and institutional restructuring of the Privatisation Commission, the prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to complete the ongoing institutional reforms and restructuring of the Privatisation Commission within one month.
Source: Dunya News
