Lifting of sanctions against Iran to open new avenues of Pak-Iran cooperation: President

ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said Pakistan welcomes the framework agreement and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran nuclear deal and hoped that lifting of sanctions against Iran will open new avenues for
expanding bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in the energy sector.
He was talking to outgoing Ambassador of Iran Mr Alireza Haghighian, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.The President said Pakistan greatly values its fraternal ties
with Iran and considers it a close friend and a neighbour with whom
it has traditionally enjoyed cordial relations based on historical,
cultural and religious affinities.
He noted that there was a great potential to further enhance bilateral trade and hoped to achieve the US $ 5 billion mark in the next three years set by the two brotherly countries’ leadership.
The President stated that Pakistan’s priority was to address
its energy deficit adding that Pakistan was committed to the Iran-
Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.
He said that the work on 700 kms of IP Gas Pipeline from
Nawabshah to Gwadar will commence shortly and entire work on laying
of pipeline will be completed after the removal of sanctions on
Iran.
The President said that Pakistan was keen to import
electricity from Iran by expanding current projects as well as
initiating new ones.
He stated that Iran and Pakistan should closely cooperate with
each other to bring peace in the region.
The President also underlined the need for greater cooperation
between the two brotherly countries at international forums for
achieving shared objectives.
He appreciated the services of the outgoing Iranian Ambassador
in furthering the bilateral relations between both countries during
his tenure in Pakistan.
The President wished him well for his new assignment and hoped
that he will continue working for the promotion of Pak-Iran
relations.
The President also asked the outgoing ambassador to convey
sincere felicitations and best wishes of the government and people
of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and people and extended
invitation to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to visit Pakistan
soon.