Musharraf, Kharrazi exchange views on Iran-Pak relations
IRNA
Islamabad, Aug 29, IRNA - President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday said Pakistan was keen to further enhance relations with Iran, saying both the countries should look towards a bright future. "All the hurdles stand removed, and close bilateral relations should be a source of coordination between the two nations," Musharraf told visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, who met him here. President Musharraf said, with reference to Iraq, Tehran and Islamabad should focus on evolution of common approach, adding Pakistan can take advantage from Iran`s expertise. No one, he said, can overlook or set aside Iran`s concerns vis-a-vis Iraq issue. Musharraf told Kharrazi that his visit was of due importance in the given regional and global scenario, with special reference to Iran-Pak relations. "Both the countries must promote their ties in economic and trade sector," he emphasized. In the fast changing scenario, the president stated all the Islamic countries should move forward hand in hand, saying Pakistan and Iran should play cardinal role in this connection. Citing commonalities between the two nations, the president emphasized the need for removal of all possible impediments to boost cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. In his observations, Kharrazi extended sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan over the recent devastation caused by rains and floods in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. He was of the opinion that there should be increased relations in Iran and Pakistan`s trade and economic sectors, saying Tehran gives due importance to its relations with Islamabad. "Iran wants good relations with all the neighbours including Pakistan: good neighbourly relations are a source of peace and stability in this strategic region," the Iranian minister said. Throwing light on Iran`s stance on Iraq issue, Kharrazi stated that the United States should have true understanding of the prevailing situation and act with logic and reason. America, he asserted, should not try to impose its own theory on the people of Iraq, which was not acceptable to them in any case. Earlier today, Kharrazi met his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri. The minister welcomed enhanced relations between the two countries, saying there was a need to take full advantage of these relations to boost bilateral cooperation. MHA/TSH/214 End
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