TEHRAN (Iran News) –Ambassador of Pakistan in Tehran H.E. Mr. Rahim Hayat Qureshi hosted a reception at Esteghlal of Tehran on Saturday evening.
A number of Iranian dignitaries including members of Parliament, high ranking civil and military officials, diplomats, scholars, media persons and prominent citizens of both the countries participated in the reception. Iran’s Energy Minister Mr. Mehrabiann was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while from Pakistan side, Minister for Energy, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan was present as Guest of Honor.
Addressing the event and in his speech, Pakistan Ambassador Qureshi welcomed the guests and highlighted the historical significance of Pakistan National Day. He stressed that Pakistan and Iran always stood with each other. Both the countries understand and appreciate each other’s position on different regional and international issues. Ambassador Qureshi emphasized the shared vision of the leadership of the two countries for enhanced regional connectivity and economic linkages. He added: “I am exceptionally pleased to observe that in the last three years, Pakistan’s relations with Iran have been on a firmly positive trajectory.”
He went on to say: “There has been regular interaction at the highest leadership level. These interactions provided the required political impetus for determinate on-ground outcomes. Since 1947, our two countries had only one crossing point at Taftan-Mirjaveh. Within a short span of four months, we were able to formalize two new border points, at Gabd-Reemdan and Mand-Pishin. These have greatly facilitated cross-border movement, particularly for an estimated 800,000 Pakistani Zaireen that visit Iran every year.”
In his remarks, the Guest of Honor, Minister Dastgir Khan said that Pakistan and Iran were two fraternal nations, with indissoluble bonds of common faith, cultural affinity and shared history. The Government of Pakistan is strongly committed to strengthen the upward trajectory of our political and economic relations. The two brotherly countries have a lot to offer to each other.
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Energy Minister Mehrabian extended felicitations to the government and people of Pakistan on Pakistan’s National Day and said Iran and Pakistan enjoy historical and cultural relations, which had grown stronger with time and pointed to the brotherly relation of the two countries and then pointed to major economic development between the two countries and said that the trade volume between the two countries has exceeded $2b this year despite sanctions.
Pakistan National Day is observed on 23 March every year but since the date falls during Nouroz holidays in Iran, the Pakistan National day reception was held on 11 March, 2023.
