ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Policy Reforms (IPR) has called for strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations during the upcoming visit of President Hassan Rouhani.

The IPR in a statement on Wednesday said that the Iranian president’s visit must transform Pakistan-Iran ties and the two countries should significantly contribute to peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

The more positive prospect of enhancing regional connectivity through initiatives such as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other trans-regional energy projects should provide the geo-economic context for Pakistan’s future relations with all its neighbours, including Iran, it added.

The IPR said Gwadar and Chabahar could become sister ports to handle anticipated rapid increase in regional trade.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2016