LAHORE: Senior Minister Punjab Raja Riaz Ahmad has said that Iran and Pakistan enjoy long standing brotherly relations, adding that these ties can grow stronger in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture, industry and energy resources.
He was talking to Saeed Kharazi, Consul General of Iran in Lahore, at his residence here Wednesday. Punjab Minister for Sports and Culture Dr Tanveer-ul-Islam and a number of PPP MPAs were also present on the occasion, says a handout.
Raja Riaz observed that Pakistan and Iran have common interests in South Asia. The democratic Pakistan government is working to bring Pakistan out of the quagmire of terrorism and poverty by increasing economic opportunities for the people.
He regretted that no new dam was developed during the last decade, adding that the provincial irrigation department has identified 317 suitable points on barrages/canal falls where small hydel power stations can be set up to produce 600 mega watt electricity.
Commenting on the ongoing visit of President Zardari to China, the minister maintained that it will open up new avenues of bilateral cooperation and joint ventures between the two countries.
Pakistan government wants friendly relations with its neighbors, he said, adding that investors should avail the lucrative new investment opportunities in Pakistan and enhance economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
The Iranian Consul General Saeed Kharazi said that Iran can help Pakistan fulfil its energy needs as Iran is producing 35,000 mega watt electricity, and observed that its nuclear energy programme is for peaceful purposes.
He said that the Iran, Pakistan and India joint gas pipeline project is of vital importance for Pakistan with its increasing energy needs.
The Consul General told that an exhibition of Iranian goods will soon be held in Lahore and informed that the Governor of Mashhad province of Iran will also visit Lahore to further cement bilateral ties.
He said Iran wants to enhance cooperation in the fields of agriculture and Industry as Punjab has vast potential of investment in these sectors.
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