Iran Press/Asia: Mohammad Ali Hosseini expressed in an interview with the economic newspaper 'Business Recorder' of Pakistan that the connection of Iran's Chabahar and Pakistani Gwadar ports promises prosperity in the region.
He added that Iran never considers Chabahar and Gwadar as rivals, but these ports are complementary and a platform for strengthening joint trade relations and regional ties.
Hosseini stated that Chabahar and Gwadar are two important ports of Iran and Pakistan that if their scope of activity expands, they can play a key role in regional development and prosperity.
Referring to Iran's plans in Chabahar and the development of the port, as well as Pakistan's efforts to develop the infrastructure of Gwadar port for commercial purposes, the ambassador added: "Some parties are trying to make Chabahar and Gwadar ports as rivals, while we never believe so; rather, we consider these two ports as complementary to each other."
The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan noted that the Chabahar-Gwadar railway connection could provide a better environment for using the capacities of these ports.
In addition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced its readiness to supply electricity to the Pakistani port of Gwadar.
He stressed: "In fact, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the progress and security of Pakistan as its own progress and security and believes that the development of the ports of the two countries will increase the volume of bilateral trade and development in the region."
Pakistan's opportunity to benefit from Iran's energy capacity
Referring to the areas of cooperation and investment between Iran and Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Hosseini said: "Energy, gas, and oil can be a potential for the development of these interactions and investment between the two countries."
He added that Iran has very good potential in the energy sector and can have a significant amount of exports to Pakistan.
"Right now, a small amount of electricity is exported from Iran to Pakistan. At the same time, Tehran has already announced its readiness to increase electricity exports to parts of Pakistan," stated the ambassador.
Regarding the plan to link the Iranian gas pipeline to Pakistan, Hosseini noted that the plan was signed in 2009 and Iran completed its share despite illegal US sanctions and other pressures, including economic restrictions.
He said: "Iran is looking forward to the practical steps of the Pakistani side to fulfill its obligations in this regard because if we can implement this investment project, many opportunities will be provided to strengthen cooperation."
Regarding joint cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of tourism, health, and pilgrimage, the Iranian ambassador expressed that the two countries are able to invest in strengthening and increasing public travel to each other's countries.
He called the future of Iran-Pakistan relations as 'very bright' and expressed that the motivation and determination of high-ranking officials along with the interest of the people of the two countries should strengthen relations in various fields despite the enemies and ill-wishers.
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