Iran Press/ Iran news: Some Iranian dignitaries, including members of Parliament, high-ranking civil and military officials, diplomats, scholars, media persons, and prominent citizens of both countries, participated in the reception. On occasion, Mr. Rostam Qasemi, Minister for Roads and Urban Development, was the Chief Guest.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by national anthems of both Pakistan and Iran. In his speech, Ambassador Qureshi welcomed the guests and highlighted the historical significance of Pakistan National Day.
Ambassador Rahim Hayat highlighted that while Pakistan was celebrating the diamond jubilee of its independence, the year 2022 also marked the completion of 75 years of establishment of Pakistan-Iran diplomatic relations. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan and Iran always stood with each other during this partnership spanning over seven decades. Both the countries understand and appreciate each other's position on different regional and international issues.
Ambassador Qureshi emphasized the shared vision of enhanced regional connectivity and economic linkages of the two countries' leadership. As founding members of ECO, Ambassador Qureshi said, Pakistan and Iran are closely working towards greater integration of the ECO region, further boosting economic ties and strengthening the whole region's vision of peace and prosperity through enhanced connectivity.
In his speech, the chief guest Rostam Ghasemi, Minister for Roads and Urban Development, extended congratulations to the government and people of Pakistan on Pakistan's National Day and said Iran and Pakistan have the deepest historical and cultural relations, which have grown stronger with time.
At the end of the ceremony, a cake marking the friendship between Pakistan and Iran was cut by the Ambassador, the Chief Guest, and other dignitaries.
Pakistan National Day is observed on 23 March every year, but since the date falls during the Nouroz holidays in Iran, the Pakistan National day reception was held on 15 March 2022. 219
