TEHRAN – Encouraging further cooperation across various domains such as culture, tourism, and trade, the Pakistani ambassador to Iran has emphasized the importance of strengthening the longstanding bond between Iran and Pakistan. 

In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times on Wednesday, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu underscored the need for both nations to actively nurture and enhance their deep-seated connections which are rooted in history. 

The full text of the interview can be read below:

Iran and Pakistan experienced a short period of testy ties back in January when the two countries launched attacks on each other’s territories. Both sides, however, seemed to be keen to repair ties and resolve any misunderstandings. How do you assess the relations between Iran and Pakistan right now?
 
There is a very high level of political engagement going on between the two countries. The Iranian leadership sent very strong congratulatory messages to Pakistan when our new government was recently elected. So did Islamabad when parliamentary elections were held in Iran.  I think that shows that the relationship is in the right direction and that it’s being solidified, strengthened, and widened. 

Terrorism is one thing that the two states will focus on. But there are also far more areas where we need more cooperation. There is a historical perspective that connects more than 300 million people in the two countries. We are connected through geography, history, and culture and I think both leaderships understand that and are determined to move forward and further diversify and expand relations. While we need robust cooperation to tackle terrorism, we should meanwhile not get fixated on it. We need to widen our horizons and make use of the countless opportunities we have to deepen our ties. This is what I am looking at as the ambassador. 

Pakistan has a new leadership following the recent elections. How do you see the future course of Tehran-Islamabad relations under the new Pakistani leadership?

 The leadership in Pakistan is extremely determined to robustly engage with Iran to promote political relations, diplomatic relations, and trade relations. If you take a look at the messages exchanged between the two sides it becomes quite clear that both Iran and Pakistan are confident that going forward, our relations will become stronger and deeper. 

Both Tehran and Islamabad have been emphasizing trade in the past months. President Raisi and Prime Minister Sharif inaugurated border markets last year. What is the current volume of trade between the two countries and what is the outlook for it? 

We want to elevate it to five billion dollars in a few years, but the potential is much larger than five billion dollars. I have discussions with trade bodies of Iran and Pakistan on a regular basis. We are trying to come up with border mechanisms that will make it easier to exchange goods and commodities without being hindered by regulatory problems at the borders. There are many things that need to be discussed including how trade can be facilitated by building new infrastructure and what kinds of trucks and containers need to be put to use. 

Thankfully, trade is going up but we are hoping for more. I am deeply engaged in promoting trade relations between Pakistan and Iran. The border markets that were inaugurated last year were indicative of the fact that Pakistani and Iranian leadership is extremely cognizant of the needs of the people who are living in those areas. And I must share with you that yesterday I had a conference with trading bodies and people were very upbeat. But as this is something that’s happening between two large countries, lots of things must be taken into account.

Pakistan has recently announced that it will proceed with building the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. Do you think the Pakistani side is serious about pursuing this project given the U.S. sanctions on Iran?

We are in very good negotiations with Iran. We have been having multiple rounds of discussions and we are trying to find a viable solution for this project. I am optimistic about it. You know, these are mega projects that require a whole host of project financing, technical expertise, land acquisition, and these kinds of things. But I am very optimistic about the project.

 Both Iran and Pakistan have many tourist attractions, but it seems that these attractions are unknown to the people of both countries. Do you have any plans to help with this issue?

This is something in which I'm personally very passionate about it. And I would quote a Chinese quotation. They say that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. So, you know, I am creating those steps through which more space for tourism can be created between both countries. I'm trying to promote Iran in Pakistan. I'm trying to promote Pakistan in Iran. As part of my conversations with the Iranian media, I'm always saying that tourism is a remarkable aspect that can bring both countries together. And I'm also going to go to some Iranian historical and cultural entities to create more understanding in Pakistan about the depth of Iran. And I want Iranian people also to go to Pakistan, and explore its beauty. It's a safe country. It's very beautiful, very remarkable. You can take a bus and from Zahedan and Taftan, you can enter Pakistan. You can see the beauty of Balouchestan and then you can enter different provinces of Pakistan right up to the north of the country. So, I am personally passionate about it. We are trying to hold some exhibitions. I am trying to do some programs, and some events related to tourism so that Iranian people get to know more about the potential of tourism in Pakistan.

What about education? I have personally met many exchange students from Pakistan at different universities. There also seems to be enthusiasm among Iranians to learn Urdu while Pakistanis appear to be interested in Persian. Are we going to see more in this field?

This is a very good idea and I'm working on it. A professor from Pakistan will soon visit the University of Tehran. As more such visits happen in the future, we can begin to also widen cooperation in education and exchange academics. 

Also, if you ask me personally, I want to learn the Persian language and read Persian literature. I also want to get to know Iran’s history because it's a very vital history that’s rich in traditions. But do I want to do it at the national level? It would be the desire of every ambassador of Pakistan to Iran to promote the Persian language because it's part of our history. It's part of our tradition. So similarly, I would also be very happy if such a cooperation can take place.
 

By Mona Hojat Ansari

Culled from Tehran Times