A Glance at the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran

Message of H.E. Mr. Masha'allah Shakeri,
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan on the Occasion of the 31st Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, February 2010

Noble nation of Pakistan  

I am grateful to Almighty Allah that I have once again been honoured to address myself to the beloved people of Pakistan on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Pakistan resembles second home for the Iranian people and the ups and downs of the contemporary history attest to the consistent closeness and proximity between Iran and Pakistan. The common bonds in cultural, religious, civilization spheres and attachments between the two nations have already guaranteed the permanence and stability of ties between the two countries.

Here I am inclined to point to certain matters. The Islamic Republic of Iran has gone through three stormy decades in the several thousand year old history of this ancient land, which has, aided by the courage, self-sacrifice and tireless efforts of the people, entailed in the bolstering of the political system domestically, and in elevating the regional and international status of the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran located in the heart of the Middle East and endowed with a vast-ranging land links, similar to a bridge, linking the Caspian Sea with the hot waters of the Persian Gulf. This distinguished geographical position, coupled with diverse climate has shaped up one of the oldest human civilizations of the ancient era in Asia and the world. Settlement in this region began from second millennium B.C. thus bringing about the biggest political system of the time in the year 230 B.C. in this land.

The Iranians, despite the rule of different tribes over them, have preserved their inherent characteristics that are inclined towards maintenance of peace and tranquility, friendship with other tribes and nations, quest for knowledge, seeking Allah, and combat with tyranny. This very characteristic, after long years of struggle, culminated on February 11, 1979 in the collapse of the despotic system as a result of a nationwide uprising, and they, aided by the desire and will of the people, established the Islamic Republic system.

There can always be observed, in the Iranian society, a search and quest for finding new responses. At present, there continue to be present, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the attributes of freedom-seeking, independence-seeking and combating with colonialism akin to three fundamental slogans based on national harmony. The performance, of the Iranian society in respect of expansion and strengthening of the rule of law, legitimate freedoms, multiplicity, justice seeking, moderation, active participation and promotion of civil society institutions is dynamic  and consistent.

The political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the outcome of the desire, will and participation of the people in the process of holding the referendum, and also conduct of more than 30 elections in order to choose representatives of city and village councils, the Majlis Shura Islami( Parliament), the Assembly of Experts for electing the Leader, and the Presidency under the sublime supervision of the office of the Vilayat-i-Faqih (Guardianship of Jurisprudent). In the nascent Iranian democracy, the progressive principle of Vilayat-i-Faqih enshrined in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the guarantor of the firmness and soundness of the political and executive system of the country in conformity with the criteria of Islam, constitution, and safeguarding the rights of the freedoms of the Muslim people of Iran.

Socio-political events of recent years in Iran, parallel to the advancements and amazing achievements in scientific and technical spheres, have had a tangible crystallization in the foreign policy of the country. Such concepts as détente, confidence-building, dialogue and cooperation, have ushered new eras in foreign relations of the country.

In the perspective of the 20-year development plan of Iran, which has been formulated within the framework of four five-year plans, it has been anticipated that Iran will have an important position in the year 2025 in economic, scientific and technical spheres at the regional level.

In the field of foreign policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran has constantly observed good neighbourliness, and has adhered to expansion of bilateral, regional and international relations with the neighbours and other countries.

Beloved people of Pakistan

The name of Iran and the Islamic Revolution for the beloved people of Pakistan is reminiscent of brotherhood and deep-rooted friendship between the two great Muslim nations which has, aided by divine favour, adherence to the covenant of unity and through discernment and understanding of the leaders of the two countries, been duly realized.

The system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, taking inspiration from the sublime teachings of Islam and the instructions of the Holy Quran, has, in line with the articles stated in the constitution, put cooperation and friendship with the Islamic and neighbouring governments at the top of its policies. On this very basis, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has put special attention towards expansion and deepening of ties and all-round cooperation in political economic and cultural spheres with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in its agenda, as we have in recent years, witnessed growth and expansion of cooperation between these two countries.

Development and security constitute an important part of the macro strategy of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran vis-a-vis all the neighrbouring states. Pakistan, in its capacity as a Muslim neighbour having age-old cultural and political ties with Iran, enjoys special status in this doctrine. Stabilization of a durable and developed Pakistan will lead to peace of mind of Iran in its capacity as a well wishing neighbour.

Luckily, the history of ties between the two countries too attests to the closeness and proximity between them in different spheres. Iran, in the year 1947, was the first country which accorded recognition to the newly established country of Pakistan.

This closeness and proximity has been well exhibited in all spheres and fields, and thanks to the deep discernment and insight of the leaders of the two countries, and serious political will in Tehran and Islamabad, a favorable atmosphere has been duly created for promotion and elevation of bilateral cooperation, and the good will and insight, arising out of it can be utilized for the prosperity and safety of the two nations and their ties.

Visits of the high-ranking authorities of the two countries have ushered a new era in ties between the two nations which have further strengthened the foundations of ties in all dimensions, and duly proved the political will and efforts of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for advancement of relations between these two Muslim countries. During the years 2008 and 2009, exchange of high- ranking delegations between the two countries is indicative of the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

In March and June 2009, there emerged an opportunity for these two countries, and the Honourable President of Pakistan visited the Islamic Republic of Iran in two phases. During the visits of H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Honourable President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, to Iran, and meetings with Hazrat Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and also with H.E. Dr. Mahmud Ahmadinejad, Honourable President, necessary grounds were paved for the expansion and promotion of macro relations in line with the desire and will of the peoples of the two countries These meetings led to an amazing increase in bilateral relations, and its positive and constructive impacts emerged at regional and global levels.

On May 24, 2009, one of the strategic avenues of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan has materialized in the sphere of energy, and the gas pipeline agreement was signed in the presence of the presidents of the two countries in Tehran. This agreement will be instrumental in bringing about a fundamental evolution in economic ties between the two countries, thus leading to development in Pakistan, and welfare and prosperity of the people of this country.

Energy constitutes a serious need, and axis of development and security, of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, duly discerning this challenge for the Pakistani society, is ready to meet these needs. Transfer of electricity from Iran to Pakistan, and participation in improving the communication, highway and railway links between the two countries too constitute subjects which are being followed up on priority basis, and it is hoped the practical measures will be taken in the near future in this regard.

Pakistan, in its capacity as a Muslim neighbour, has a special status in the macro-strategy of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the durable security, stability and all –round development of Pakistan being the desire of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this same connection, no effort will be spared for the welfare and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to perpetuate its constructive policy in Pakistan despite ever-increasing security challenges, and it is confident that, in this mission and as a result of the efforts of the esteemed government of Pakistan, and prayers of the well-wishing people of Pakistan, my diplomat colleague, Mr. Heshmatollah Attarzadeh, Commercial Attache of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar, who was abducted on November 13, 2008 will soon return to the warm fold of his family.

Terrorism, in its capacity as a sinister and dangerous phenomenon, has influenced the strata of human societies, and the people of Pakistan have suffered extensive losses and casualties in recent years on account of terrorism. There exists the hope that Pakistan will be able to also overcome this juncture of its history with success, and move on the path of durable development.

My beloved Pakistani brothers and sisters,

In conclusion, I pray to Almighty Allah for the success of the two Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in advancement of brotherly relations, and for the ever increasing prosperity and success of the two nations of Iran and Pakistan.