Prime Minister Imran Khan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday discussed an array of issues, including the need for boosting cooperation to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the two countries.
In a telephone conversation on Wednesday, Rouhani and Imran Khan referred to the spread of coronavirus in many countries and the problems it has created for governments and nations, underlining the need to develop regional and international cooperation and sharing experiences between the two countries in the fight against the pandemic.
The two sides stressed the need to reactivate borders and border markets and strengthen trade ties by following health guidelines. They also condemned any prejudice and pressure against Muslims and expressed their support in this regard.
Rouhani praised Pakistan’s stance on opposing US sanctions against Iran and expressed hope that the two countries will further develop their trade and economic ties. He said the reopening of border markets of the two countries with full observance of health protocols as contributing to the development of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Islamabad. “We are interested in exchanging goods and trade with Pakistan as well as with some neighbouring countries from the borders,” he added. Congratulating the Pakistani government and people on the holy month of Ramazan, the Iranian president expressed hope that the two countries’ joint agreements will be implemented and operationalized in favour of the two nations.
Imran Khan emphasized the development and deepening of relations with Iran, especially economic and trade cooperation, and welcomed the resumption of trade activities on the borders of the two countries and the activity of border markets by observing health protocols. “The two countries’ trade exchanges will greatly help Pakistan’s economy, which has been affected by coronavirus,” he said. Imran Khan also condemned the US imposition of sanctions and increased economic pressure on Iran in the difficult situation that the world is facing with coronavirus. “I consider it my duty to support Iran in the face of US illegal actions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Covid-19 response.
During the telephonic conversation, the prime minister expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Gates Foundation and other international partners during the unprecedented crisis and emphasized the continued urgency of the situation, a statement issued by the PM Media Office here on Wednesday said.
He stated that Pakistan is making all efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic with a robust and coordinated response. He emphasized that Pakistan is facing a dual challenge of overcoming the pandemic and saving people, particularly the most vulnerable segments of the population, from hunger due to lockdown. He underlined that the government has put together a $8 billion package to support the affected people and businesses. The steps taken by the government have helped in containing the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan. The prime minister’s call for ‘Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for the developing countries was in the same context.
Bill Gates mentioned how Covid-19 is a threat across the world. He commended Pakistan’s efforts in protecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations.