Pakistan to expand trade with all neighbouring countries: Imran tells Iranian envoy

ISLAMABAD: Iranian ambassador Mehdi Honordoost on Saturday called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan to congratulate on his election victory.

Imran Khan said Pakistan is ready for trade with all neighbouring countries including Iran. He said their most important objective is to enable the national economy stand on its own feet.

He said Pakistan is also poised to play its positive role in improving relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.Both countries have long-standing rivalry leading to conflict in the region.

The Iranian envoy conveyed message of felicitation from Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to the PTI chairman on success of his party in the parliamentary elections.

He said Iran will welcome Pakistan’s suggestion for peace in the region. He said all avenues of cooperation and partnerships with Pakistan are open for regional peace and development.

Honordoost said the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project can change destiny of Pakistan, and they are ready for constructive talks regarding this project.

Imran Khan told the envoy he wished to visit Iran and see its historical sites one day. PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Naeem-ul-Haq were also present in the meeting.

Yesterday, the Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai called on  Imran Khan to congratulate him on his election victory. The envoy discussed a range of issues and said the Japan will extend full cooperation with the newly-elected federal government.

The envoys of China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all called on Imran Khan in recent days since his party emerged victorious. The British envoy and other foreign dignitaries have also visited him in recent days.