ISLAMABAD, DEC 07 (DNA) – Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost strongly believes that inauguration of the first Phase of Chabahar Port of Iran is a new opportunity for enhancing of collaboration among the regional states.

In an article, he wrote Chabahar Port does not only belong to Iran, rather it is an instrument to facilitate trade, development and benefit for the economic convergence of regional governments and nations.

The envoy said Phase one of the development of Chabahar International Port was inaugurated on December 3, 2017 in the presence of President Rouhani and with the participation of a number of officials from regional countries, including Mir Hasal Bizanjo, Minister for Ports and Maritime of Pakistan.

He said inauguration of Phase I of Chabahar International Port is indicative of the interest of international investors and businessmen in investment in Iran as well as symbolic of new scenario after Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“Despite efforts by the enemies regarding conversion of economic atmosphere of the Islamic Republic of Iran into the security related. Fortunately, the recent incident was an example of violation in the way of their objectives. It proves the hypo thesis of handing over the destiny of region to the regional nations,” he noted.

Mehdi Honardoost said Iran has the honor to present Chabahar Port to all countries as transit door for connecting of South Asia with Central Asian and Europe.

The envoy said development of Chabahar Port is taking place simultaneously to the progress of development plans of Gwadar Port under CPEC in friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan.

He said these two important events show strong resolve of high level leadership of the two countries to further development of two countries and reminder of their previous decision on further economic convergence of two countries through historical, cultural and existing territorial bonds in Balochistan region and Chabahar and Gwadar Ports.

“It would not be forgotten that two ports of Chabahar and Gawadar are complementary of one another. Each of them as a portion of a big landscape will act in the transit ties of the region, every other thinking except that is completely wrong and will be considered in line with the objectives of the enemies of two great nations of Iran and Pakistan,” he said.

The ambassador said Iran and Pakistan have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Sister Ports for further convergence of Chabahar and Gwadar ports and officials of two countries have visited the two ports a number of times.

“Moreover, Islamic Republic of Iran, by having faith on need of development of Makran Coast and Gwadar port, has kept exports of electricity to the ports on its agenda and considers its duty for the regional development,” he said.

He added that the recent visit of Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan along with chairman of Gwadar port to Chabahar can be a turning point in boosting of ports cooperation between two ports of Chabahar and Gwadar.

“This event also shows the new situation in line with the regional approach for the regional subjects by leaders of regional countries which is beyond the machinations of interventionist countries, and could be expanded to other areas of cooperation,” he said.=DNA

————