TEHRAN: The Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran hosted a reception to commemorate Pakistan’s 78th National Day in a hotel on Tuesday evening. Interior Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

A large number of guests from all walks of life including Alaeddin Borojardi, chairman National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Majlis, members of the Iranian Parliament, Deputy Ministers of Defence, Interior and Trade, high ranking civil and military officials, diplomats, scholars, media persons and prominent citizens of both countries attended the event.

The ceremony began with playing of national anthems of Pakistan and Iran. Ambassador Asif Durrani, in his welcome remarks, greeted the guests with Nauroz wishes and shed light on the significance of Pakistan’s National Day with a pledge to strive for a peaceful, prosperous and stronger Pakistan. Highlighting the myriad challenges that Pakistan faced in recent years, Ambassador Durrani said Pakistan has sacrificed more than 70 thousand of its citizens including armed forces personnel and law enforcement agencies in fighting terrorists and has succeeded in defeating terrorism on its soil. He added “today, there are no safe havens for terrorists on our soil”.

Now, Pakistan is on the path of economic progress, it is rated as the most progressive emerging market with GDP growth of 6 percent this year and projection of 6.5 percent in the coming year, the Ambassador said. Durrani lauded the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran which are getting stronger by the day and said both countries have displayed exemplary cooperation on many regional and international issues.

With 35 percent increase in bilateral trade since last year, the Ambassador expressed hope of attaining 5 billion dollars mark of bilateral trade in the next three years. The Ambassador hoped that the successful completion of China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would further boost Pakistan- Iran cooperation as transit hub for the region.

Chief guest, Iran’s Interior Minister Fazli, in his speech extended felicitations to the Government and people of Pakistan on Pakistan’s National Day and lauded commemorating of 70 years of relations between Iran and Pakistan including cultural, civilizational, religious and historical.

The Iranian Interior Minister reiterated the interest of the Supreme leader of Iran on the expansion and deepening relations with Pakistan and said that it has given further strength to these bonds, which has been followed by all the governments of Iran, especially the present Rouhani govt. The chief guest hoped that opening of new border points between both the countries would enhance potential of border markets and border security. —PR