President Zardari asks Ambassador-designate to Iran to focus on trade, people-to-people contacts

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari asked Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Iran to work towards further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade, people-to-people contacts and facilitation of Pakistani Zaireen visiting Iran.

He was talking to Ambassador-designate, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday, a Presidency’s news release said.

The president said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Iran, rooted in shared history, cultural affinities and a long common border.

He emphasised the need to facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and connectivity, remove bottlenecks in bilateral trade and work towards increasing bilateral trade.

He directed the Ambassador-designate to proactively engage with civil society, students and local leaders in Iran and ensure effective consular outreach for the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora, students and businesses.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence. He said Pakistan remains committed to working closely with Iran for regional peace and stability.

The president congratulated the Ambassador-designate on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would contribute meaningfully to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations.