ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have decided to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on livestock quarantine and plant protection.

The decision was made during a meeting between Minister for Industry and Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam.

Dr Moghaddam noted that the Iranian president expects to sign a MoU on livestock quarantine and plant protection between the two countries during his upcoming visit. “We want to import more meat, rice, and agricultural products, especially mangoes and kinnoo, from Pakistan. Iranian people are very fond of Pakistani kinnoo,” he said.

The ambassador also reiterated Iran’s desire to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.

“Iran’s top leadership is in favor of increasing close cooperation with Pakistan in all fields,” he said, adding that both countries can cooperate in the fertiliser industry.

The Iranian Minister of Industry has invited the federal minister to visit Tehran to participate in the upcoming meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Federal Minister Rana Tanveer stated that both Pakistan and Iran were brothers and neighbors. “Iran and Pakistan share a strong bond. Basmati rice from Pakistan is famous all over the world. Both countries can work on industrial cooperation,” he added.

On the directions of the prime minister, special attention was being given to industry and agricultural development, the federal minister said, adding, “Development of agriculture and industry will lead to significant improvement in livelihoods and will play a role in the restoration of the economy, which is the top priority of government.”

Even healthy-looking animals can carry diseases, and as Pakistan and Iran are neighbouring countries, diseases can be transmitted from one country to another through animals.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2024