US never played a constructive role in Afghanistan, says Iranian Ambassador – Syed Mohammad Ali Hussaini

Interview: Shamim Mehmood

Q - What is the first impression about Pakistan and how is the experience since you joined as an ambassador in Islamabad.

Answer: We do consider Pakistan as a good neighbour for my country, which has a Muslim-majority population religious, cultural and historical commonalities as well as kind people who believe in principles and values. There is a good potential to deepen the friendly ties between the two nations of Iran and Pakistan, which should be materialised with planning and follow ups. In addition to the above, which is a great asset to strengthen relations between the two nations, is the love of the people for the house of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, as a huge asset that exist in the two nations of Iran and Pakistan including shiates and Sunnis, a capital that can always be considered as one basic axes of unity and coherence between Islamic religions.

Q - It is question, we usually ask; what spheres do you see Pakistan and Iran collaborating in? And what is the current volume of the trade?

Answer: Iran and Pakistan are cooperating closely in various bilateral, regional and international fields. Two neighbouring countries with many cultural, religious, historical and language we have commonalities. We have shared or close views on regional and International issues and to ensure regional security, stability, growth, prosperity and the economy are our joint objectives. Hence the capacity for collaboration is innumerable. Currently we have joint cooperation in economic, trade, political, cultural, and military and security areas and a number of joint committees are formed and active in the mentioned areas. The current volume of trade is close to $ 1.5 billion, albeit in the past few months affected by coronary conditions and decreased. The capacity for joint trade cooperation between the two countries is much higher than that figure, however Obstacles and problems created by some malicious and corrupt countries such as the US regime has slowed down the progress of cooperation. Imposition of oppressive, unilateral and illegal sanctions by the US government is a clear example of the machinations that affect the interests of the two Muslim and neighbouring nations of Iran and Pakistan to some extent. Of course, the determination of the officials of the two neighbouring countries will surely overcome any type of obstacles. And ECO, OIC, D8 are the other forums of joint cooperation between the two countries.

Q - What about the markets being established nearby the borders to expend trade and cooperation? What is the current position?

Answer: One of the advantages in the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan is having a long joint border can be a turning point for Economic development and trade cooperation if the necessary attention paid by the officials of the two countries. Assistance in the development of the necessary infrastructure in the border areas will improve significantly the livelihoods of border residents and promote political and economic security in these areas. One of the necessary tools is the establishment and strengthening of quantitative and qualitative markets and border crossings. These markets will help regulate trade and increase people-to-people contacts on both sides of the border.

Q -What is the current status of Iran – Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project? Would you like to share the details?

Answer: The latest status of the Iranian gas transfer project to Pakistan. According to the agreement concluded between the two governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 2009 to build the gas transmission pipeline, the Islamic Republic of Iran, has fulfilled most of its obligations in this field Has brought the pipe close to the border. The move comes at a time when Iran is facing the oppressive and illegal and the most severe sanctions by United States is under and despite financial problems and in view of good bilateral relations and principles of neighbourliness with Pakistan have fulfilled its  obligations. We understand problems of Pakistan, but we believe that the implementation of the IP gas pipeline will boost the economy and industry of Pakistan and will increase its exports while meeting the abundant needs of that country, it will provide access to cheap and reliable energy.

Q - What is your stance on Kashmir, when you (Iran) are enjoying close relations with India as well?

Answer: The principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of conflicts and disagreements between countries based upon using peaceful methods and the use of diplomacy-based methods, and it is negotiation. In the case of Kashmir, we also believe that the people of Kashmir deserve their legitimate rights should be respected and enjoy their legal interests and treated with fairness and justice. The Iran, considering the good relations with both countries, has announced its readiness to use its political capacity to reduce and resolve any tensions. As believed that any catastrophic action between India and Pakistan could greatly increase instability and insecurity in the South Asian region.

Q - For how long, Iran can play its role in Afghan Taliban peace talks with the US?

Answer: Iran has always stood by the people of Afghanistan and has hosted more than three million people over the past four decades and we shared their suffering and sorrow in different periods and suffered itself from unrest Inside Afghanistan and the destructive role of the United States in this country. Hence in the path to peace, stability and security will stand by with this honourable nation until the end the conflict. The Iran will do everything that is in the possibility and capacity of Iran in its construction and prosperity - The US has never played a constructive role in Afghanistan and the Iran is in close contact and consultation with various Afghan groups as well as other foreign actors which can help the people of Afghanistan to achieve peace and tranquillity for the cooperation and support.

Q - Its been years now that the US has imposed sanctions on Iran, what is the current situation of the economy of the Iran and trade relations with the Pakistan?

Answer: The US regime is currently launching a severe economic terrorism against the Iranian nation Never witnessed in the history against any nation, at a time when the Iranian nation has been severely suffering of the Corona outbreak The United States has also intensified its inhumane sanctions and even preventing the import of goods basic goods and food as well as medicine and medical equipment for the treatment of patients and children. The Trump regime, led by the US, has committed a crime against humanity today. The response of the Iranian people to the maximum pressure of the US is maximum and strategic resistance. This strategy has isolated America in today's world and shown the hidden and ugly face of this regime in the world. These sanctions undermine economic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and the national interests of the two countries. Close consultations and exchange of views by various government departments and Private sectors of the two countries to find legal and efficient solutions to resolve problems and remove existing barriers and the promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations continue.

Q - And finally tell me, what is going on in Gulf? The KSA led gulf countries are creating diplomatic relations with the Israel and what Iran (being important member of the Muslim world) can play in the current situation?

Answer: Normalisation or unveiling of old friendly relations between a country in the Persian Gulf region and the occupying Israeli regime does not change the legal status of Palestine. Palestine is an occupied country and the Zionist regime is an occupying regime. Normalisation of relations with the Israeli regime is violation of the legitimate rights of a nation that has struggled for more than seventy years to achieve them. On the other hand, this step strengthens the terrorist and aggressive nature of Israel and also creates division and discord among Islamic countries. The point that needs to be reminded is the normalisation of relations with the Zionist regime is even in flagrant opposition to the 2002 Arab peace plan in Beirut proposed adopted by Saudi Arabia. According to the Beirut peace plan, peace with Israel is subject to Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories in 1967, a just settlement of the refugees and the acceptance of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Although, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the Beirut peace plan ignores the rights of the Palestinians, but the countries that have recently unveiled good relations with the Zionists regime even ignored and violated the resolution of the Arab League. The Iran has not sought to interfere in the internal affairs of any of its neighbours, but can it be indifferent about anti-security actions by the racist Zionist enemy near its borders? We believe opening the space by our neighbouring countries in the Persian Gulf for the presence of a regime that is main cause of insecurity, instability and terrorism in the region will not bring peace and security but the provocative remarks of the US Secretary of State and Prime Minister of the Zionist regime indicates the formation of a military coalition in the region against Iran. They are looking for more instability and insecurity in the region. As the high official of the Islamic Republic Iran has stated the consequences of any anti-security action against Iran, in addition to the Zionist regime, will also affect these countries.