Hina Rabbani Khar reaffirms Pakistan’s desire to strengthen Pak-Iran fraternal ties in all areas of mutual interest

SAMARKAND, April 13 (SABAH): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, met Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Thursday.

The Minister of State reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen Pakistan-Iran fraternal ties in all areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and economy, energy, security and regional connectivity.

The Ministers agreed that there was vast scope in bilateral trade and economic cooperation and agreed to identify the new sectors through various institutional mechanisms.

They expressed satisfaction over completion of Polan-Gabd/Gwadar electricity transmission line that will cater to the energy needs of the border region of the two countries.

Minister of state underscored the importance of expedited operationalization of border markets to uplift the socio-economic well-being of people of the border region.

FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and MoS Hina Rabbani Khar reaffirmed commitment to remain closely engaged on matters of regional and global significance including Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, met the Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Vepa Hajiyev, on the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan in Samarkand on Thursday.

​They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction over the level of engagement. They also discussed measures to enhance connectivity, trade and investment, energy cooperation and people-to-people contacts. They also reiterated their commitment towards the importance and early implementation TAPI Gas Pipeline Project.