Sanctions relief to pave way for stronger Pakistan-Iran economic ties: FO

ISLAMABAD, Jun 24 (APP): Pakistan on Wednesday expressed optimism over the ongoing high-level technical talks between Iran and the United States, saying that progress in trade and economic cooperation with Iran would be linked to the easing of international sanctions on Tehran.

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the pathway towards sanctions relief for Iran had already been initiated through talks held in Burgenstock, Switzerland.

He described the process as a positive development and expressed hope that the negotiations would produce constructive results as they move forward.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said there had been a temporary pause in technical-level discussions between Iran and the United States, and the talks will be resumed next week.

He said the continuation of dialogue between the two sides was itself an encouraging sign.

“It is a very positive development that both parties are engaged in talks and remain at the negotiating table,” he remarked.

Commenting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said tensions were likely to ease as diplomatic efforts progressed. However, he noted that a complete return to normal operations in the strategically important waterway could take some time due to operational requirements.

On a question regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said Pakistan supported the initiatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and believed in regional ownership of regional issues.

He stressed the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states in the region.

Discussing the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, Andrabi said the two sides held extensive discussions on a range of issues, including expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation.

He noted that progress in bilateral economic projects and trade expansion would move forward alongside the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.

“The overall progress of economic projects and opening up of trade with Iran will take place simultaneously with the lifting of sanctions by the United States,” he said.

The spokesperson said one of the major outcomes of the Iranian President’s visit was the reaffirmation by both countries of their commitment to peace, stability and stronger bilateral relations.

He added that the Iranian leadership had expressed confidence in Pakistan, a gesture for which Pakistan was grateful.

Andrabi, responding to a query regarding a proposed financing package of $300 billion for Iran, said that the matter was expected to be discussed during the ongoing technical-level talks in Switzerland.

As regards the issue of Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan had implemented most of its commitments related to bilateral engagement with Afghanistan and that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had personally monitored the process.

However, he said certain developments later created difficulties for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

He reiterated Pakistan’s position that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

“If diplomacy is to move forward, the starting point should be a clear assurance from Afghanistan that its soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan,” he said.

The spokesperson emphasized that the people of Afghanistan were brothers of the Pakistani people and that deep people-to-people ties existed between the two countries.

Responding to another question, Andrabi acknowledged China’s constructive role in facilitating understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan would continue to work closely with China to promote regional peace and cooperation.

“Our engagement on Afghanistan continues, and the simple solution is for the Afghan side to uphold its commitments under international law,” he added.

Replying to a query regarding Pakistan’s representation at the funeral of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Shaheed Ali Khamenei, the spokesperson said no final decision had yet been made regarding who would attend the funeral on behalf of Pakistan.