Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Hoonardoost has said that his country is ready to become part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He said Iran is time-tested friend of Pakistan and his country has neither allowed its soil to be used against Pakistan in the past nor will it allow its territory to be used in future against Pakistan. “All media reports on use of Iranian territory against Pakistan are incorrect,” he added.

“We are shocked over telecast and publication of media reports on use of Iranian soil against Pakistan on the eve of Iranian president visit to Pakistan. Iran considers defence and security of Pakistan its own defence and security. No one can create any misperception between Iran and Pakistan,” the envoy remarked.

“Iran and Pakistan have common interests and both are tied into the bonds of brotherhood and friendly ties. But the volume of trade between the two countries is not proportionate to the level of friendship,” he maintained.

He went on to say that Pakistan is a larger country and it is rich with natural resources. PM Nawaz Sharif has rightly said that trade volume would be taken to $ 5 billion, he added.

Responding to a question, he said that Iranian president consultations and talks with top leadership of Pakistan remained successful and fruitful. “Both the countries signed key agreements during Iranian president visit to Pakistan and the leadership of both the countries have also agreed to bolster the bilateral relations.”

He said his country supports Pakistan endeavours for peace in Afghanistan. “If there is peace and stability in Afghanistan then there will be peace and stability in Pakistan and Iran,” he argued.

To a question, he said that terrorism is an international phenomenon and it should be resolved internationally. “Most of the countries in the world are victims of terrorism. Iran and Pakistan are cooperating with each other against terrorism,” Mehdi said.

He underlined that Iran and Pakistan are working on different mega projects and Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is also among these projects. He said the five years economic plan has been worked out and Iran is ready to extend help to Pakistan in energy sector.