Khatami, Jamali agree on closer ties: Defence cooperation among many fields
TEHRAN, Oct 21: Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday discussed the regional situation, including Kashmir and Afghanistan, and agreed to take concrete measures for enhanced cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and commerce.
Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali in his talks with the Iranian leadership called for greater interaction between the two states in all spheres of life.
The prime minister held talks with President Seyed Mohammad Khatami, followed by his meeting with First Vice-President Aref, Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar told reporters here.
Mr Khokhar said the talks were held in a “friendly, relaxed and accommodating atmosphere,” and an emphasis was laid on the need for enhanced bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said Prime Minister Jamali informed the Iranian leadership that Pakistan had proposed agreements in six areas which needed to be further discussed.
The foreign secretary said the agreements covered issues of double taxation, cultural exchanges, cooperation in customs, science and technology, livestock, besides one in defence cooperation.
President Khatami instructed his cabinet ministers that the agreements mentioned by Prime Minister Jamali needed to be finalized. It was agreed that the commerce ministers and the information ministers of the two countries would discuss the issue further.
The information ministers of the two countries would meet on Wednesday to discuss and take necessary measures to “prevent avoidable propaganda.”
Mr Khokhar said the two sides agreed that it was imperative for Pakistan and Iran to help in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. They also discussed the situation in Iraq. Prime Minister Jamali also apprised President Khatami of the steps taken by Pakistan for normalization of relations with India.
In this context, Iran’s relations with India were also discussed. The Iranian president assured Mr Jamali that Pakistan-Iran relations were of ‘special nature.’
President Khatami said: “Development and progress in Iran-India relations could not affect Pakistan-Iran relations.”
The foreign secretary said Pakistan also expressed its concern over the growing presence of India in Afghanistan.
During the talks, President Khatami said the two countries share “common interests,” and assured Mr Jamali that the outcome of the talks would be implemented in an “effective” manner.
Prime Minister Jamali also called for frequent exchange of visits at high level, including visits of heads of states and governments, foreign ministers and foreign secretaries between the two countries.
The prime minister called for greater cooperation between the two countries at the OIC and said both the countries should work together for the revitalization and unity of the organization.
President Khatami said it was important for the future of the OIC that countries like Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia came up with ideas to revitalize the organization and dealt with the complex problems of the 21st century.
He expressed the hope that the strong bilateral relations between the two countries would be translated into equally strong economic ties for the betterment of the two people.
He referred to his talks with President Pervez Musharraf at the 10th OIC summit in Malaysia. He also appreciated Pakistan’s stature in the comity of nations owing to its advancement in science and technology.
Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali reciprocated the sentiments of the Iranian president and said the two countries were playing an important role in the Muslim Ummah and the Organization of Islamic Conference.
He said there were a number of issues pending before the joint economic commission of the two countries that needed attention. He said the people wanted to see concrete results and actions which could bring about a positive change in their lives.
He said the two countries should take effective measures to bring about a marked change in the life of the people.
The prime minister, who arrived here on a three-day visit earlier in the day, told reporters at the Republic Mansion (Islami Jamhoori Building) after a formal reception that relations between the two countries would further strengthen in the days to come.—APP
TEHRAN, Oct 21: Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday discussed the regional situation, including Kashmir and Afghanistan, and agreed to take concrete measures for enhanced cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and commerce.
