ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have emphasised the need for better cooperation and information sharing for the common cause of elimination of terrorism from the region.

“Iran’s cooperation in fighting terrorism is essential and the role of mutual cooperation in establishing peace and security in the region is undeniable,” said National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq while talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on Sunday.

The speaker is currently on an official visit to Iran leading a parliamentary delegation to hold important meetings with key Iranian parliamentarians and political dignitaries on regional issues and bilateral relations, including Allauddin Borojardi, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security in the Majlis, and Iranian Industry, Mines and Trade Minister Mohammad Reza Nametzadeh.

According to an official handout issued by the National Assembly secretariat, the speaker discussed regional security and peace and said: “Pakistan and Iran shared views on the importance on the establishment of peace and security in the region and the reinforcement of unity in the Muslim world. The regional issues should be resolved by the neighbouring countries themselves.”

The speaker called upon Iran to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a collection of infrastructure projects currently under construction throughout Pakistan.

He said the CPEC will open new vistas for Iran and Pakistan in China and Central Asian countries. Mr Sadiq was quoted as saying: “Iran can avail benefits by joining CPEC and boosting its exports.”

Referring to numerous capacities of both countries for cooperation, the speaker said signing of banking agreement and declaration of Gwadar and Chabahar as sister ports were significant steps in line with using the existing capacities in promoting bilateral ties.

Referring to the miseries of Muslims in held Kashmir and statement of Indian PM Narendra Modi, the speaker said Pakistan stood for solution of the Kashmir issue through political dialogue and according to the UN resolutions.

While talking to the Iranian industry and trade minister, Mr Sadiq stressed on enhancing trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Iran in order to bring the two nations closer in all the spheres of mutual relations.

Speaking on this occasion, the Iranian foreign minister stressed on the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. He said Iran and Pakistan enjoyed good relations not only in the diplomatic arena but also in parliamentary, security and economic sectors.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2017