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Iran's Rouhani congratulates Imran on PTI's success in polls, invites him to Iran
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday telephoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan to congratulate him on his party success in the July 25 general elections and expressed willingness to further improve bilateral relations, DawnNewsTV reported.
The Iranian president extended an invitation to Khan to visit Iran after taking the oath, which was accepted by the PTI chief.
Earlier in the day, the acting US Ambassador to Pakistan, John Hoover, called on Khan at his Banigala residence. Hoover, who was accompanied by a US diplomatic delegation, held talks with the prime-minister-to-be on issues of mutual interest, read a statement issued by the PTI.
Expressing Pakistan's desire to see complete stability in Afghanistan, Khan said: "I have always stressed on the need for a political resolution to Afghanistan."
"I am happy to see that there is a rise in similar views coming from the US as well," he added.
The PTI chief further asserted that war and use of power is not the solution to Afghanistan's problems and that stability in Afghanistan would prove to be in the best interests of not only the US and Pakistan but also the region in general.
"The ups and downs experienced by both countries have been due to a lack of mutual trust," he said, adding that Pakistan was determined to develop relations based on trust with the US.
He further stressed that Pakistan is desirous of maintaining strong economic and trade relations with the US and that further diplomatic activities between the two are the need of the hour.
Meanwhile, Rouhani in his telephonic conversation with the PTI chief said that Pakistan's relations with Iran are not only that of a neighbour but go deeper as the two countries share the same religious and cultural values.
It was mutually decided that as soon as the process of the transition of power is complete, the interior ministers of both the countries will finalise the arrangements for a state visit to Iran.
"We want to develop special trade relations with Iran," Khan told Rouhani, adding that Pakistan wishes to see further improvement in relations on the diplomatic level.
Comments (27) Closed
It would be smarter to side with Iran instead of USA. Pak-China-Iran coalition can gain a lot. IK is salso strong enough a leader to unite all muslim countries.
Pak Iran friendship forever.
In my opinion, USA will eventually accept Imran Khan as an elected new PM, as USA needs Pakistan to hide their failure in Afghanistan. IK will deal with any country on mutual respect basis and what is best for country - peace, prosperity and sovereignty will be top of the list!
Iran Pakistan and turkey three together could bring vast prosperity to the region if they united together and enhanced their bilateral relations.
Just diplomatic courtesy. Not to read too much. Ground situation remains same more or less.
excellent idea!
Iranian lobbyists playing well in PTI.
Bravo Imran
It is true that Iran and Pakistan are not only neighbors with common culture but are also historically connected as trade and defense partners. The new PM needs to give the due priority and importance to relations with Iran
Im all for strong ties with Iran and look forward to a new era of brotherhood.
Strengthened ties with Iran should be need of the hour because we are neighbours. Development is hindered if you are constantly looking over your shoulder due to security concerns. This is a tough neighbourhood and we need stability and friendships.
Pakistan, Iran and Turkey are three brotherly countries sharing common borders, religion, culture and trade. They should form a strong economic alliance like the RCD alliance between them in the past. They should not let any other country interfere or create divisions. Such an alliance will help regional stability and world peace.
Iran should be the first country Imran Khan should visit as Nawaz Shareef caused tremendous damage to relations with this great neighbor to appease the Saudis.
Iran is real friend of Pakistan and true leader of Islamic nation.
Support and invitations from all sides (except India) our neighbor, should now realize how important is Kashmir issue to be solved.The sooner the better. Think about it.
Iran and Pakistan more than anything else close cultural and spiritual neighbours.
Great steps
Pakistan, Iran and Turkey should work together like they were used to.
very good, we love Iran and it's people, it's culture and country hope for stronger bond and friendship, i love to travel Iran and see the religious shrines inshallah
Absolutely right approach. A good PM in the making.
Way to go! Hopefully Ik will bring peace to the region
We should get closer to Iran
good development. it is the need of the hour.
Great Decison and we need to have good relationship with our nebhours
be careful of upsetting saudi...
Relation with Iran and US is looking complex for Pakistan.
Hope to see US and Pakistan honest relations flourish. InshaAllah. As well as US and Iran.