President Dr. Arif Alvi has underscored the need for establishment of regular bilateral mechanisms between Pakistan and Iran for trade including utilization of barter trade mechanism.

He was talking to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, on the sidelines of the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Ashgabat on Sunday.

The President underlined that Pakistan considers Iran as an important Muslim neighbour and brother based on deep-rooted historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries.

He expressed satisfaction at the recent operationalization of International Road Transport shipments from Pakistan to Turkey and Azerbaijan, which would be beneficial for the entire ECO region.

President Alvi also thanked Iran’s consistent support to the Kashmir cause, particularly from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

On regional situation, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for closely coordinated approach to achieve shared objectives of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

He laid emphasis on urgent provision of humanitarian and economic assistance to alleviate the sufferings of people of Afghanistan.