ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Iran agreed to increase their bilateral trade from current $3 billion to $10 billion in the talks between the visiting Iranian president and the prime minister here on Sunday, in a move suggesting the shifting geostrategic dynamics bringing the two neighbours closer.
Iranian President Massud Pezeshkian travelled to Pakistan on his first official visit since assuming the office and following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.
Pakistan rolled out red-carpet welcome to President Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally received him at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, in a rare gesture signalling not just a protocol but Pakistan’s intent to deepen ties with the neighbouring country.
The timing of the visit was no coincidence as it came at a time when the Israel-Iran conflict remained fresh, Gaza under siege and a host of other regional developments. Pakistan’s move to host the Iranian president at a time when the US is seeking its further isolation shows its pursuit of following the independent foreign policy.
The formal talks were held at the Prime Minister House with focus on multiple issues ranging from bilateral ties to the current regional and international developments. According to the PM office, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by delegation-level talks.
The Pakistani side included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior cabinet members, and top government officials.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the importance of the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Iranian leadership, armed forces, and the people.
Speaking at a joint news conference with President Pezeshkian, the prime minister expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian soldiers, scientists, and civilians during the 12-day war triggered by Israeli aggression, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
He also thanked Iran for its unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent flare-up of tensions with India. Morever, the prime minister backed Iran’s right to pursue nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, thanked the Pakistani government and people for standing firmly with Iran during the war. He said the Iranian nation would always remember Pakistan’s show of solidarity.
Highlighting the need for strengthening economic cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for the early convening of the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, expected to be held soon.
He stressed enhanced collaboration in trade, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements across sectors of mutual interest aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation.
They discussed key initiatives to boost trade, including enhancing quotas for rice, fruits, and meat exports, activating border markets, removing non-tariff barriers, and promoting barter trade.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent progress in Pakistan-Iran trade negotiations and reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade volume from the current $3 billion to $10 billion in the near future.
Regional and global issues were also on the agenda. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leadership for its strong and vocal support for the Palestinian cause in the face of Israeli brutality.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering backing for an independent Palestinian state in accordance with UN resolutions and called for an immediate end to Israeli atrocities in Gaza along with urgent humanitarian assistance for the besieged population.
Both leaders urged the international community to take swift action to resolve the crisis. Prime Minister Sharif also expressed gratitude for Iran’s consistent support for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The meeting concluded with a luncheon hosted in honour of President Pezeshkian and his delegation.
