Ahmadinejad says no obstacle to developing Iran-Pakistan ties

In a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister of National Regulations and Services Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday, the Iranian president said relations between Iran and Pakistan are deep-rooted, cultural, and based on the interests of both countries.

Ahmadinejad also called for the strengthening of relations in all areas and exchange of experiences in order to meet the mutual demands of both states.

“There are many grounds for cooperation in the cultural fields as well as health and treatment…between the two countries and their officials should take effective steps for further expansion of cooperation in these fields,” Ahmadinejad said.

The Pakistani official, for her part, said the government and nation of Pakistan welcome the expansion of ties with Iran because the Islamic Republic not only defends its own rights, but also the rights of other Muslim nations.

“The [recent] successful tripartite meeting in Pakistan [between Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan] sent a clear message to those who seek discord among regional nations, especially [among] Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Ashiq Awan added.

The Pakistani minister expressed hope that by taking advantage of the two countries’ existing capacities, relations between Iran and Pakistan will become an example for other regional countries to follow.