Murtaza Solangi calls for enhancing Pak-Iran media cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (SABAH): Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has emphasized enhanced media cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

He was talking to Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam in Islamabad on Thursday. The Minister said Pakistan is keen to promote cooperation with Iran in the fields of film and drama. He added that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed between the Associated Press of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic News Agency of Iran. 

He further said the work is in progress on signing MoUs between the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and Iran’s Audio Visual Media Regulatory Authority as well as between the Pakistan Television and Iran’s audiovisual and cinema sector to promote cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, multiple matters, including media cooperation, exchange of cultural delegations, trade relations and Iran Expo-2024 were discussed.

Both the sides also stressed the need to expand cooperation in the economic sector, especially bilateral cooperation within the ambit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, East-West corridor, and bilateral cooperation on seaports of the two countries as well as enhanced Islamabad-Tehran ties.

The two countries agreed to look for more opportunities to promote bilateral cooperation. Murtaza Solangi, on the occasion, said Pakistan attaches highest importance to its relations with Iran.

He said the two countries are tied in deep religious, cultural and linguistic relations. Besides, visit of Iran’s cultural delegation also came under discussion.

Murtaza Solangi said it will auger well and help promote cultural ties between the two countries. He said the delegation will be taken to the media houses, press clubs and other cultural organizations of Pakistan.

The Iranian Ambassador apprised the Minister about opening of the bureau office of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting in Islamabad. He said the bureau will start functioning by the third week of the next month.

Murtaza Solangi said the establishment of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting’s bureau office in Islamabad will further promote cooperation between the two countries in the field of communication. He said several agreements of similar nature are under discussion to enhance cooperation with Iran in the fields of television, film, cinema, literature and linguistics. He said these agreements will help present our culture and traditions in true spirit.

The Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting also apprised the Ambassador of measures taken regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. He said the fundamental mandate of the interim government is to extend cooperation in the electoral process. He said organizing transparent, fair and impartial elections is the top priority of the government and in this regard, all possible assistance is being extended to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The Iranian Ambassador commended resolve of the caretaker government for holding fair, transparent and impartial elections in the country. Views were also exchanged on Iran Expo-2024.

Murtaza Solangi said the expo will provide an opportunity to promote bilateral trade. He said Pakistan is determined to work with Iran in promoting bilateral economic cooperation. The Iranian Ambassador said Iran Expo-2024 will provide a vibrant platform to the business entities of the two countries.