Pakistan-Iran Relations Boosted by $10B Trade Agreements
The Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has again expressed his firm beliefs with the enhancement of bilateral relations amongst Iran and Pakistan, and has said that both the countries are engaged in increasing their mutual trade to reach a projected value of 10 billion dollars.
During a common press briefing with the newly elected president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the prime minister added that the leadership of both nations are keen on getting the process moved on in a pace and in a spirit of sincerity. At the high-level meeting, it was decided that 12 important agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, in order to further strengthen the cooperation between them in various sectors.
“We have discussed the full spectrum of our brotherly ties, including trade, cultural, religious, and strategic relations. The documents signed today are a major step toward transforming shared potential into practical partnerships,” said PM Shehbaz.
He noted that the respective government delegations will now follow up with detailed technical discussions to fast-track the realization of the $10 billion trade target, up from the current $3 billion.
Solidarity in the Face of Regional Aggression
This gave PM Shehbaz a chance to harshly criticize the recent unprovoked Israeli hostility against Iran which he termed as indefensible. He stated that the people and government of Pakistan were with Iran in this situation of hostility.
“The entire Pakistani nation of 240 million people strongly condemned Israel’s attack in June. This is because, as the prime minister noted, Iran has shown tremendous courage and clarity in its reaction to the attack, besides expressing profound condolence to the human lives that were lost in the exchange.
Iranian President: Pakistan Is a Brother, Not Just a Neighbor
In his remarks, President Masoud Pezeshkian warmly thanked the people and leadership of Pakistan for their unwavering support during the 10-day Israeli assault.
“Our connection is not limited to borders. It’s a bond of faith, culture, and shared history,” said President Pezeshkian, quoting Allama Iqbal’s poetry as a symbol of Islamic unity.
He pointed out that the foreign policy of Iran lays more emphasis on cooperation with its fellow neighbors, especially in Pakistan, because they have long-term historical and cultural relations.
According to the Iranian president, both parties are now making serious and earnest efforts to develop cooperation in all the fields including science, technology, agriculture, maritime safety, health, education and cultural exchange.
Strategic Agreements Signed
The two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of 12 vital agreements and MoUs. These include collaboration in:
- Plant protection and quarantine
- Information technology and innovation
- Maritime security and firefighting coordination
- Youth and cultural exchange programs
- Tourism and judicial cooperation
- Quality inspection standards and product certifications
- A joint ministerial statement on advancing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries
Enhancing Border Security and Regional Peace
President Pezeshkian also underlined the common necessity to enhance security in the borders in consideration of the threat of terrorists to provide security to the civilians and lowering cross-border trade. He repeated Iran request to the international communal which was to step by step rejections of dual standards in these international establishments to respect the sovereignty of all countries.
“We are committed to peace, progress, and regional cooperation. Strengthening economic ties with Pakistan is key to ensuring stability and prosperity in South Asia and the wider region,” he said.
He also condemned the Israeli actions in Gaza, labeling them as acts of genocide and regional destabilization, and called for greater unity among Muslim countries to counter expansionist agendas.
A Symbolic Visit
President Pezeshkian termed his visit to Pakistan as a visit to his pensioned hometown and was grateful to the government and people of Pakistan due to the warmth of their hospitality.
With the revamped Pakistan-Iran relations, there is a real shift in the diplomatic direction in the region, as both like to look at a broader economic integration, cultural exchange and peace in the region.
