Iran offers to mediate between Pakistan, India over Kashmir

Iran is willing to mediate between Pakistan and India over the long-standing Kashmir issue if requested, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Mehdi Honardoost, has said.

"Any conflict or tension between the two countries (Pakistan and India) will hinder the progress and development of both the countries but will also impact upon the economies of other regional countries," said Honardoost during an interview to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Commenting on Pakistan-Iran trade ties, Honardoost said a Free Trade Agreement draft has been signed between the two nations and it will soon be operative to enhance two-way business and trade engagements.

"Our future is bright after the removal of impediments. Hopefully, our trade relations would continue to grow," he remarked.

Concerned officials from both the countries are also expected to meet in an upcoming 20th round of Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) soon to further strengthen trade ties between the two, he added.

To a question on the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Honardoost said the project was not only a game-changer for the region but would be a unifying force for the countries in it.

--IANS

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