Karachi, The Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, has called for enhanced media cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing the significance of such collaboration in the fields of film, drama, and broader cultural exchanges.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam in Islamabad today. He highlighted Pakistan’s keen interest in promoting cooperation with Iran, mentioning the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Associated Press of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic News Agency of Iran. Further progress is being made towards signing additional MoUs between Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and Iran’s Audio Visual Media Regulatory Authority, as well as between Pakistan Television and Iran’s audiovisual and cinema sector.
The meeting covered various topics, including media cooperation, the exchange of cultural delegations, trade relations, and the upcoming Iran Expo-2024. Both parties stressed the need to expand cooperation in the economic sector, with particular emphasis on collaboration within the Economic Cooperation Organization, the East-West corridor, and bilateral cooperation on the seaports of the two countries, as well as strengthening Islamabad-Tehran ties.
In the context of enhancing bilateral cooperation, both countries agreed to explore further opportunities. Solangi remarked on the deep religious, cultural, and linguistic connections binding the two nations and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to its relationship with Iran. The visit of Iran’s cultural delegation to Pakistan was also discussed, with plans to introduce them to various media houses, press clubs, and cultural organizations in Pakistan, aiming to bolster cultural ties.
The Iranian Ambassador informed the Minister about the imminent opening of the bureau office of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting in Islamabad, which is set to start operations by the third week of the next month. Solangi expressed that the establishment of this bureau office will foster greater cooperation in communication and disclosed that several agreements are under discussion to enhance cooperation in television, film, cinema, literature, and linguistics. These agreements are expected to help both countries represent their culture and traditions authentically.
Additionally, the Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting briefed the Ambassador on the preparations for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. He emphasized the interim government’s fundamental mandate to support the electoral process, with a focus on organizing transparent, fair, and impartial elections, and providing all necessary assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The Iranian Ambassador lauded the caretaker government’s commitment to holding fair, transparent, and impartial elections. The discussion also touched upon the Iran Expo-2024, with Solangi stating that the expo will be an excellent opportunity to promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation.