Pakistan Aims For Strong Regional Position.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan aims for strengthened regional position as it tries to improve ties with the neighbours. Pakistan has played a key role on the Afghanistan issue and continues to support stability in the war-torn country.

With China, Pakistan already has exemplary relationship. Islamabad has significantly improved cooperation with the Central Asian Republics.

Pakistan has also invited India on numerous occasions to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue but New Delhi has so far been uninterested.

In the same spirit, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is in Iran with expectations to enhance cooperation.

Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations are rooted in historical linkages and based on religious, linguistic, cultural linkages and spiritual affiliation. Relations between Pakistan and Iran have by and large remained positive.

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after independence. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran, Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the new dispensation. The two countries have supported each other at critical junctures in their history.

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran are undergoing a transformative phase. There is a renewed energy and growing positivity and desire to work together between the two countries.

Iran has remained strong supporter of the Kashmir cause. It has openly voiced support for the innocent Kashmiris under brutal siege of Indian forces.

The Iranian high leadership has also repeatedly given statements in support of people of Kashmir and condemned unjust Indian atrocities. Similarly, Pakistan's support on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and commitment towards Iran despite US' unilateral sanctions has been greatly appreciated in Iran.

Despite the excellent bilateral relations, the current trade volume between the two countries is below its full potential.

Currently, the volume of trade is $392.08 million with $22.86 million Pakistani exports, comprising mainly of rice, meat, paper and paper board, chemicals, textiles, fruit and vegetables; major imports from Iran comprise mainly of iron ore, hide and skins, and chemical products (Pakistani imports $369.23 million).

Iran and Pakistan are working together at expert level to improve road and rail...