Iranian ambassador in Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, says all it takes is mutual willingness for cooperation which can take bilateral trade and economic cooperation to new levels. The firm determination of the authorities of the two brotherly countries of Iran and Pakistan is proven in this regard.
During his first formal interaction with some media representatives, anchors and editors, Ambassador Moghadam said bilateral agreement for the gas pipeline does provide for mitigating mechanisms that can help both countries realize the project. Iran is looking for ways to supply gas and oil without inviting US sanctions.
The impression that the ambassador’s talk yielded was that Iran would never like to go to any court against a brotherly country and it is determined to find a solution and complete the project.
Affordable Iranian gas, electricity and oil could be available to Pakistan as much as it is to several other nations with which the Iranian trade is worth billions of dollars, the ambassador said.
The Ambassador suggested that entry into BRICS as well as the détente with Saudi Arabia will not only boost Iranian external trade but should also augur well for relations with Pakistan.
Ambassador Moghadam sounded thankful to Pakistan, Oman and China for contributing to reconnecting with its important neighbors. We really want good, friendly relations with all neighbors so that all can mutually benefit from one another, he said.
Chinese President Xi, it appears, played the key role in breaking the ice between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which also paved for the inclusion of Tehran into BRICS.
Ambassador Moghadam believes the future belongs to the East as “the Western influence across the globe wanes.”
Both countries are also working on increasing the air traffic between Tehran, Mashad, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore by their respective national carriers.
An indirect message one could discern from the ambassador’s talk was that his country was ready to increase electricity supply to parts of Balochistan including Gwadar as well as oil and gas products.
It looks like the ball is in Pakistan’s court for completing formalities required for increased supplies and benefits from Iran’s affordable exports. We have done our bit, the turn is yours, seems to be the message.
On the face of it, this seems true as well. Will Pakistan – despite its current political discord and turmoil – take an independent move and devise a way forward to avoid penalties if it defaults on the gas supply agreement? Counter-terrorism cooperation is another area both countries seem to be engaged in. Tehran remains keen on close cooperation for taking on proxy terror groups – the common enemy – that are using the sectarian divide to pursue instability in the region. It of course takes two to tango and the ability to withstand external pressures.
