Pakistan and Iran have committed to strengthening cooperation, expediting a free trade agreement, and fostering a peaceful border. This was affirmed in a statement following President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit, marking the first visit from an Iranian head of state since 2017.
During his visit, amidst regional tensions and missile exchanges earlier in the year, President Raisi engaged in extensive discussions across Pakistan. Despite warnings from the US about deepening ties with Iran, the two nations outlined steps to enhance collaboration in their joint statement.
Read: US Warns Pakistan Over Iran Trade Agreements Due to Sanction Risks
The statement emphasized the two countries’ deep-rooted historical and cultural connections, pledging to boost engagement through academic, cultural, and tourism exchanges. It highlighted mutual goals such as combating regional threats and expanding economic ties through projects like joint border markets and economic zones.
Both leaders set a target to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion within five years, stressing the need for durable economic partnerships. They also planned to solidify the free trade agreement and convene further economic discussions.
They agreed to enhance energy cooperation and use geographic positions to boost regional connectivity. Condemning terrorism, they vowed to tackle security threats jointly and stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue.
The two countries also condemned attacks on diplomatic sites and rising Islamophobia, calling for international measures to combat such challenges. The visit concluded with a strong message of unity against regional instabilities and a commitment to economic and security collaboration.
