Pakistani President calls for greater Iran-Pakistan cooperation

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for greater cooperation between the interior ministries of Pakistan and Iran Talking to Iran’s Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar, he said that Pakistan considers Iran as a true friend. The President said that the two countries have vital interests in the stability and peace of the region and therefore they need to work together for this purpose. President Asif Ali Zardari thanked people and leadership of Iran for extending their support to Pakistani flood victims. He called for establishing a joint commission in Pakistani interior ministry to boost Iran-Pakistan cooperation. President Zardari said that Interior Minister Rehman Malik would give a report on the commission. He said that Iran is a time tested friend of Pakistan and has always helped the country in difficult times. The President emphasized close collaboration of the two countries to tackle the issues confronting them. Iran’s Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar conveyed the greetings of President Ahmadinejad to the Pakistani President. He said that Iran and Pakistan have been enjoying strong bilateral relations which should be further enhanced. He added that Iran and Pakistan have deep historical and cultural relations. He said Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei has called upon the Iranian government to send aid for Pakistani flood victims. Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said that Supreme Leader has said it is religious obligation on Iranian people to help Pakistan flood victims. The minister said that Iran is ready to help Pakistan. He said that presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan is the basic hurdle in establishing peace and stability in the region. He added that Iran is ready to cooperate with Pakistan in economic, security and development sectors. He said that Iran would extend all-out efforts to help Pakistani flood victims. Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar stated that Pakistan is an important regional state. He added that leadership of Pakistan is sincere to its people. He said that Iran and Pakistan with close cooperation would be able to solve all problems in future. He said Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei wants Iran to cooperate with Pakistan in all sectors especially help the people living in flood-hit areas adding that Iran is also ready to start long term development projects with Pakistan. Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said that Iran has already sent 40 tons of medicines, cloths and other items for Pakistani flood hit people.