H.E Mohammad Ali Hosseini: Iran Ready to Supply Gas & Electricity to Pakistan – Flights Should be Increased – Important Energy Project will be Accomplished Soon

Tazeen Akhtar
Islamabad – 28 Sep 2022

The Ambassador of Iran, H.E Mohammad Ali Hosseini has shared, ” Iran is ready to export fuel gas to Pakistan whenever the required infrastructure is completed on the Pakistani side. The price and other things can be settled when the infrastructure is completed. Iran is providing 100 MW of electricity to Pakistan. Both countries are in dialogue on another project of 100 MW and Iran has readiness to export 500 MW of electricity to Pakistan. The bilateral trade level is not satisfactory. Both countries’ economies are complementary and not competitive to each other. We have moved forward on the opening of border markets and new border crossing points. More can be achieved if American restrictions are lifted in accordance with the nuclear agreement signed by the USA herself.”

The Ambassador said this in an interview with Mr. Tazeen Akhtar, Editor of Daily Azkaar Islamabad, and Pakistan in the World magazine, who is covering Central Asia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran beat specifically for the last two decades.

He responded to different questions as” Iran-Azerbaijan relations are moving forward positively. Iran wants peace in Yemen. Taliban have to fulfill its all commitments including the establishment of broad-based government to get recognition.”

“After full membership of Iran in Shanghai Cooperation Organization Iran and Pakistan can further promote their joint cooperation by this important platform as well.”

“Iran can use her good relations with both India and Pakistan for positive measures on Kashmir. The political rights of Kashmiris should be provided. The solution of the issue could be explored only through diplomatic means”

I visited Iran Embassy after a long time. Last I visited when Mr. Mashallah Shakiri was Ambassador. I had short meetings with Mr. Mehdi Hunerdost at different events. Now it was my first visit to Embassy after at least 10 years and it was an interview with H.E Mohammad Ali Hosseini. I found him a highly composed, calculated, thoughtful, and mindful personality to accept even the hardest questions and reply in a very soft and reasonable manner.

I availed the opportunity and attracted his attention with 2 direct questions, one on regional connectivity and communication which is the concern and priority of every leader in the world and especially the leaders of ITI, CARS, ECO, and SCO countries. The second question was about Iran’s cooperation in Energy and Electricity. Ambassador welcomed the questions and responded in detail to start the interview.

Tazeen Akhtar: Iran is the closest neighbor and brotherly country that need to solidify connectivity and communication. We have seen encouraging development in the last year thanks to Iran as a member of the ITI corridor. Now we are looking forward to energy and electricity export from Iran.

Ambassador: (some detail shared above in the intro) I can state that seriousness is found on both sides for these matters. We are hopeful to accomplish an important project in the energy sector soon. Energy is a subject that fulfills the interests of both countries. Federal Minister for Energy Mr. Khurram Dastgir visited Iran last month. We had constructive discussions and consented to sign agreements.

Connectivity and Communication are prerequisites to enhancing people to people, business to business relations. Air connection is central in this regard. We are working on increasing the number of flights between the two countries.

Another big development is the opening of 2 more border crossing points. Earlier, in the last 70 years, it was only one. Now 2 more are opened. Both countries agree to take the number up to 6.

Border markets are worth mentioning success. The first market at Pishin Mand point will be inaugurated in next month. The second will be at Remdan Gabd and the third will be at Chaghi Kohak border point. These markets will be helpful in enhancing bilateral trade, creating employment, stalling smuggling, and improving security in these border areas.

Question: What is the status of bilateral trade and how it can be further enhanced?

Ambassador: Both countries’ wishes and political will is present on both sides to take the trade to its available big potential but it is not satisfactory. US restrictions are cruel enough to stop both countries to establish a system in this regard. The restrictions do not allow both countries to establish financial and banking connections that are imperative to increase trade ties. Naturally, friends of Iran are keen to promote trade and economic relations but US restrictions affect them negatively. But we are not disappointed even then. Our relations are increasing gradually. We hope that both countries can pass through the legal hurdles through continued discussions on such issues. One way to go ahead is barter trade mechanism (Discussed above). US restrictions do not stop the supply of Gas. Pakistan can benefit from this opportunity. Iran can import rice, meat, fruits, and agricultural products from Pakistan.

A remarkable move in this connection is the successful convening meeting of the 21st Joint Economic Commission of the two countries after 5 years last month. We held a dialogue on trade and economic sectors, and discussed, and signed many MoUs. It will be opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation if the MoUs are implemented.

We have to support the private sector. We welcome investments from Pakistan in our free trade zone at Chabahar. Pakistani investors can benefit from the facilities we have provided there.

Iran Pakistan exhibition was another success in which knowledge-based companies participated. It was a big step toward increasing bilateral cooperation.

Question: We are observing positive developments in Azerbaijan-Iran Relations. Pakistani trade trucks (Oct 2021)traveled through Iran to Turkiye and reached Azerbaijan. Iran’s South-North Corridor is also important in the connectivity of the regions.

Ambassador: Yes! both countries have seen very positive development. Iran is for the same with all. Cordial relations with all countries are the pillar of our President’s foreign policy. We attach special priority to relations with Pakistan. Last year we resumed again the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI)train (Dec 2021-Jan 2022). Transport and transit have great potential. We welcome joining of TIR convention by Pakistan (Transports Internationaux Routiers, International Road Transport) With over 66 countries using the procedure, the TIR system is the international customs transit system with the widest geographical coverage.) The truck trade project was a big development. Iran offers Pakistan our south-north and east-west corridors as well through which Pakistan can reach Central Asian Republics, Caucasus, and Russia.

Question: What is Iran’s stand on the Taliban Government in Afghanistan?

Ambassador: Our stand is clear that if the Taliban seek recognition, they will have to fulfill their commitments. The same is the Pakistani stance as well as other countries also follow that line. The Taliban are bound to establish a broad-based government inclusive of all sections of Afghanistan. Iran seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan. This is the common stance of Iran and Pakistan.

We understand the Taliban are in a difficult position and Iran is cooperating with them on humanitarian basis. Iran is hosting more than 5 Million Afghanis. In the last year after take over by the Taliban government, a big number have migrated to Iran. Terrorist groups can take advantage of this situation. It is not in the interest of both countries. Iran and Pakistan are in contact on the Afghan issue.

Question: What is the status of the nuclear agreement between Iran the USA and the West?

Ambassador: Every member country was bound to obey this agreement. Iran fulfilled 100 percent of its obligations under the agreement but the others failed in doing this. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed 15 times that Iran is following the agreement. Sanctions on the trade and banking channels of Iran should have been lifted after that.

The USA did not respect the agreement and withdrew from it. Not only that but imposed more sanctions. President Biden announced to return to the agreement during his election campaign and also afterward. But no difference has been seen till now betweenTrump and Biden administration regarding Iran.

Then the USA asked for a dialogue that we welcomed. Now we seek the members of the agreement to fulfill their commitments, lift sanctions, and provide a solid guarantee to Iran to remain committed to the agreement. IAEA can play important role in this regard. Iran has not put any further demands. But the situation is not satisfactory as IAEA puts forward new questions for Iran to reply to.

We see there are two pushers behind this move. 1- Israel itself is not a signatory to NPT and any other nuclear agreement neither considers itself answerable to any obligation. So Israel is the hurdle in this agreement. 2- The terrorist group “Mujahideen e Khalq” who have killed more than 17 thousand Iranians so far. This group is included in the list of terrorist organizations prepared by the West.

Iran welcomes IAEA audits but they should be technical and unbiased. We hope the matter can be resolved by dialogue.

Question: How Iran looks at the development of Israel-Arab relations?

Ambassador: Israel is responsible for instability and violence in the Middle East and West Asia because of her apartheid policies. The Israeli regime is promoting its agenda through aggression, occupation, and expansionist designs. Isreal is not successful in imposing its agenda in this region thanks to the movements working against Israel. Israel intends to achieve its interests with the support of the USA and the West. Palestine is a major issue of the Muslim world. Iran sees Israel Arab normalization as against the interests of the region and the Islamic ummah.

Iran discourages any bilateral or multilateral arrangement where Israel is a member. The Zionist regime will always bend upon to implement its own agenda through these organizations that are established with beautiful and attractive titles like food security and climate change, clean energy etc.

Iran believes that we do not need any trans-regional arrangement in which Israel is included. The Muslim countries have itself big potential. We have great opportunities that are enough for us. The Zionist regime always uses multilateral platforms for its own political gains. Iran keeps a close eye on such moves of Israel.

Question: Yemen is another concern in the region to be seen and addressed. In the last week of Sep 2022, Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of UNO, appealed to the warring factions to extend the ceasefire and also expressed hope that parties can restore peace by dialogue.

Ambassador: Iran has a principal stand on Yemen that 1- No military solution of the issue
2- Differences should be sorted out through dialogue 3- Permanent Ceasefire
4- People should discuss and solve their issues through dialogue among various Yemeni groups(Yemenis -Yemenis dialogue). Iran is hopeful for improvement in the situation and that the people of Yemen could get their rights.

Question: We congratulate Iran on full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (15-16 Sep 2022 Samarkand Summit). Here Pakistan and Iran find another valued platform to work together.

Ambassador: SCO offers great potential for all member states. We can utilize this platform for the well-being and prosperity of the people of the member nations. Iran and Pakistan together can play an important role on SCO platform.

Question: What is the latest status of Iran-Saudia relations?

Ambassador: Iran and Saudia held 5 rounds of dialogue to improve our relationship in Iraq. The results are positive. Both are ready to move forward. The sixth round can be held soon if Iraq Government is ready for that. Good relations between Iran and Saudia will bring pleasant effects and produce opportunities for the region.

Question: Recently a woman was arrested for not wearing hijab in Iran. Later she was admitted to hospital for her dilapidated condition where she died. This incident aroused protests that further aggravated the situation. What is Iran’s Government’s stance on this issue?

Ambassador: Iran took strict notice of the incident. The President, Speaker of Parliament, and Chief Justice directed thorough investigations into the unfortunate incident. But Anti Iran elements stirred misunderstandings and tried their best to mislead the youth. They promoted slogans that had nothing to do with this incident.

The most ridiculous actions were from the USA and the West. They expressed empathy for the victim woman. It was just like crocodile tears. How the USA can pose as a supporter of the Iranian people when the same USA banned even the medicine and equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic when hundreds of Irani people were dying every day? Hundreds of children died only because of American sanctions on medicines. Their families are aggrieved for their children.

The USA and the West instigated our people when we were taking legal measures on the incident. Therefore we request the media to report on this incident through confirmed sources and not through the propaganda of the West and the USA.

Question: What are the prospects of bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector?

Ambassador: We have a common heritage, common values, and connections of our people. We wish to promote these commonalities through tourism. Both countries can cooperate in the promotion of Ziyaarat, health, and industrial tourism. Iran has many attractions for Pakistani tourists.