ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has stressed the need for enhancing trade and commercial ties between Iran and Pakistan to bring the two neighbouring Muslim countries closer in all other spheres of mutual concern.

The speaker made these remarks during his formal talks with the Iranian Majlis (parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani in the Majlis on Saturday at the start of a three-day official visit of Pakistan’s parliamentary delegation to Iran.

Speaker Sadiq, who arrived in the Iranian capital, held a busy round of meetings with the top parliamentary and political leadership, discussing critical issues of border security, Afghanistan, Middle East situation, Yemen and Syrian crises, trade and commerce and other issues of mutual concern, says a fax message received here from Iran.

During his meeting with Speaker Larijani, Mr Sadiq urged the two sides to work closely for the progress of the two nations and for the entire Muslim world. “We must not fall prey to the sectarian divide and think for Muslim unity and prosperity,” said the speaker.

He stressed on the Iranian side to lift the tariff barriers on Pakistani exports of rice, citrus fruits, cotton and other items.

He also invited Iran to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corri­dor to boost Iranian exports.

Speaking on the Afghanistan issue, the speaker said that regional issues should be resolved by the countries of the region without interference of any foreign involvement. He also highlighted the condition of Muslims in India-held Kashmir.

Speaker Larijani welcomed the parliamentary delegation and extended Iran’s cooperation and support in his remarks.

Iran declared its support to Pakistan’s initiative of a Parlia­men­tary Peace Conference of China, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2017