Islamabad, Jan 31, IRNA – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman here Malik Wednesday stressed need for joint regional cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism in the region.
He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference with senior advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs Ali-Akbar Velayati.
He said that Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Iranian President have always come to the rescue of Pakistan when needed, especially during the recent floods. “Iran and Pakistan are close neighbors, we share same culture and religion,” he said.
He went on to say that President Asif Ali Zardari has played a prominent role in growing the relationship. “With the frequent interaction of our leaderships we have been able to resolve a number of issues,” he said.
“We have got to fight terrorism in this region and I have been preaching that extremism is growing and we have got to control this for our future generations,” said the minister.
He was of the view that all the countries of the region have to sit together and leave no room for these terrorist groups. “We have to adopt a common strategy,” he said.
Rehman Malik said the vision of Mr. Velayati about thee region is remarkable and close to reality. “We must keep interacting and working for the masses,” he viewed.
He said that there is no sectarianism in Pakistan and the government has frustrated the designs of those elements which were trying to sow the seed of discord in Pakistani society.
Advisor to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs Ali-Akbar Velayati said that Iran and Pakistan enjoy deep brotherly relations.
He said that there is much potential to enhance bilateral relationship. “We have to establish close strategic relationship,” said the Iranian official.
“I am happy to hear that Pakistani cabinet has approved the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Agreement,” he said. Mr. Velayati added the project can play a very important role in strengthening the relationship between Iran and Pakistan.
He said the exchange of high level delegations between the two countries must continue.
“We would witness mutual fight against terrorism,” said the Secretary General of World Assembly for Islamic Awakening (WAIA). He was confident that conspiracies to spread sectarianism in the region have been failed. “Our future is very bright and constructive,” he said.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik also hosted a dinner in the honor of Iranian delegation. Federal minister for national regulations and services Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Ports and Shipping, Babar Khan Ghauri, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, Chairman Islamic Ideological council, Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani and religious scholar Khanum Syeda Tayyaba Bukhari were also present on the occasion.
Earlier Mr. Velayati held separate meetings with the religious scholars from Peshawar, Parliamentarians from Gilgit-Baltistan province and Chief of Shi'a Ulema Council Allama Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi.
