Islamabad urges expansion of ties with Iran

Pakistan is deeply willing to promote its friendly and brotherly ties with Iran, Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said.Speaking during his meeting with Iran's visiting Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, Gilani said Islamabad is deeply interested in enhancing its ties with Iran to a new height as there is tremendous goodwill between the people of the two countries and given the two nations' historical, social and cultural commonalities. Recalling his recent successful visit to Iran, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings to the Supreme Leader, the President and the First Vice President of the Iran. The premier said that wide-ranging discussions were held on matters of mutual interests, including the political reconciliation process in Afghanistan for which the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's support for Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. Gilani also reiterated his vision to further strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres particularly trade and commercial relations. He said that irritants in the way of achieving the level of relations must be removed. He stated that the two countries had decided during his visit to Iran to constitute a mechanism at the level of the Foreign Ministers for regular exchange of views to take bilateral cooperation to a new height. The Prime Minister also appreciated Iran's assistance for the flood victims in Sindh and especially thanked Interior Minister Najjar's presence in Pakistan at this time that Pakistan look forward to Iran's assistance particularly in the reconstruction projects in flood affected areas.During the Prime Minister's visit to Iran a decision was taken to declare Rusht, the capital of Gilan province and the city of Multan as sister cities. The Prime Minister invited the governor of Gilan during which the decision to declare Multan and Rusht sister cities will be finalized.