QUETTA, Aug 22: Two meetings of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Road Transportation Committee began here on Monday to discuss various issues confronting transporters and traders of both the countries.

Ahmed Khastkhodaie, Director General, Transportation and Terminal, was heading the Iranian delegation in the meeting while Firdaus Alam, joint secretary, Ministry of Communications, was leading the 11-member Pakistani delegation.

Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Firdaus Alam stressed upon the importance of the role of road transportation in economic and trade promotion between the two countries.

He observed that both the countries were enjoying cordial and brotherly relations since long and this meeting would serve a long way in further strengthening these relations. In this connection, the two sides have met twice previously to resolve these issues.

The head of the Pakistani delegation further said that in fact these are not issues but the experiences of transporters, traders and truck drivers being encountered during operation of road transportation under the bilateral agreement.

He said: “I earnestly hope that the two sides will make every endeavour to come up with the solution of the problems so that trade without any hassle between the two brotherly Muslim countries can be facilitated.”

The head of the Iranian delegation, Ahmed Khastkhodaie, Director General, Transpiration and Terminal, said that for commercial and economic development, a modern road transportation system with rules and regulations easy to follow by traders and transporters was imperative.

Mr Ahmed said: “We are here to resolve the difficulties being faced by the transporters of both the countries through negotiation.”

The last day of the meeting would be held on Tuesday and both the countries would sign some protocols on its conclusion.