Pakistan and Iran have taken significant strides towards enhancing their bilateral relations by signing eight agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) covering a spectrum of areas including security, judicial assistance, veterinary and animal health, and economic cooperation.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi announced on Monday that Iran and Pakistan have agreed to significantly increase their trade volume to $10 billion, emphasizing that the current level of trade was deemed inadequate.
President Raisi made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where he is currently on a three-day visit. This visit holds particular significance as it marks the first official visit by a head of state following the February 8 general elections in Pakistan.
Expressing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, President Raisi highlighted the need to elevate economic ties between Iran and Pakistan. He emphasized that the current trade volume falls short of expectations and called for a substantial increase to $10 billion as an initial step towards enhancing economic cooperation.
President Raisi also conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Pakistani government for the warm welcome extended to him. Additionally, he extended his greetings to the people of Pakistan, acknowledging their support for the freedom of Al Quds Al Sharif (Jerusalem).
Highlighting the solidarity between the Iranian and Pakistani people, President Raisi emphasized the global call for freedom and an end to oppression, particularly in Palestine. He underscored the importance of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities worldwide who advocate for justice and freedom, echoing the sentiment shared by many.
PRESIDENT RAISI
President Raisi underscored the deep-rooted connections between Iran and Pakistan, emphasizing the shared faith and interconnected religions that bind the two nations together. He emphasized that these bonds are unbreakable and form a foundation for strong bilateral relations.
Furthermore, President Raisi highlighted the importance of leveraging the existing potentials and capabilities in both countries to serve their mutual interests. He emphasized the significance of exchanging resources and expertise to enhance cooperation and benefit both nations.
Regarding their meeting, President Raisi and Prime Minister Shehbaz agreed to elevate bilateral relations across political, economic, trade, and cultural spheres. They recognized the need to strengthen ties on multiple fronts to foster greater collaboration and understanding between Iran and Pakistan.
President Raisi also pointed out the shared commitment of Iran and Pakistan to combat terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, and various forms of insecurity. He stressed that both countries are resolute in their efforts to address these challenges, which pose a threat not only to their own security but also to regional stability.
In response to potential detractors of closer Iran-Pakistan relations, President Raisi expressed indifference, asserting that the opinions of such individuals are inconsequential. He emphasized that the priority lies in advancing the interests of both nations and promoting positive bilateral ties, regardless of any opposition that may exist.
President Raisi highlighted the inauguration of the Mand-Pishin border market during his visit with Prime Minister Shehbaz, acknowledging the progress made but emphasizing the need for further efforts. He deemed the steps taken thus far as insufficient and stressed the importance of advancing initiatives to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Reflecting on Iran’s resilience in the face of sanctions, President Raisi praised the Iranian people for transforming challenges into opportunities. He emphasized Iran’s strides in development and technology, expressing Iran’s readiness to share its expertise and knowledge with Pakistan.
PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ
Prime Minister Shehbaz echoed the sentiment of strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties despite the challenges both countries face. He emphasized the multifaceted nature of their discussions, covering religious, cultural, diplomatic, investment, and security matters.
Extending appreciation to President Raisi, Prime Minister Shehbaz commended his political acumen and wisdom, expressing confidence in Iran’s further progress under his leadership. This mutual respect and recognition underscored the commitment of both leaders to deepen the bonds between their nations and pave the way for mutual prosperity and cooperation.
ایرانی صدر عزت مآب ڈاکٹر سید ابراہیم رئیسی وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس پہنچ گئے
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ایرانی صدر کا استقبال کیا
ایرانی صدر عزت مآب ڈاکٹر سید ابراہیم رئیسی کو پاکستان کی مسلح افواج کے دستے کی جانب سے گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا گیا
🇵🇰🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/KHbL8E1Ddf
— PMLN Digital (@PMLNDigital) April 22, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the need to establish a stable relationship between Pakistan and Iran, envisioning shared borders transformed into hubs of business, progress, and prosperity. He highlighted the opportunity to elevate the friendship between the two countries into a realm of development and prosperity.
PM Shehbaz commended President Raisi for his firm stance on the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant loss of life. He expressed concern over the silence of the international community despite the ongoing violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz drew attention to the plight of those in India-occupied Kashmir and appreciated President Raisi for his support to the Kashmiri people. He expressed gratitude to President Raisi for choosing Pakistan as his “second home” and expressed confidence that his visit would further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Using Persian language, PM Shehbaz conveyed warm sentiments to President Raisi, expressing joy and gratitude for his visit. He also recited a verse by Persian poet Mohammad-Taqi Bahar, adding a cultural touch to the exchange.
During their meeting, PM Shehbaz and President Raisi agreed on joint efforts to combat terrorism and enhance trade and communication links between Pakistan and Iran. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and constructive dialogue to address regional challenges.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met with President Raisi to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and global developments. Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations across diverse fields and emphasized the significance of peace and constructive dialogue in addressing regional challenges.
IRANIAN PRESIDENT EBRAHIM RAISI EMBARKED ON A THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO PAKISTAN
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi embarked on a three-day official visit to Pakistan, arriving in Islamabad amidst a warm reception. He was greeted at the airport by Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu. Accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, including the foreign minister and other cabinet members, President Raisi’s visit holds significant diplomatic importance.
Upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, President Raisi was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both leaders engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, including politics, economics, and culture. A tree-planting ceremony to commemorate International Earth Day was held, symbolizing the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The visit is a testament to the efforts to enhance Pakistan-Iran relations amidst regional tensions. As tensions escalated in the Middle East, both countries emphasized the importance of exercising restraint and de-escalating the situation. President Raisi’s visit signifies a mutual desire to mend ties and foster cooperation, particularly in light of past conflicts and shared challenges.
The visit also holds economic significance, as Pakistan seeks to address its energy crisis through joint projects with Iran. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, aimed at alleviating Pakistan’s power shortages, has faced delays due to international sanctions. However, recent developments indicate progress in overcoming obstacles, with Pakistan approving the construction of a section of the pipeline to avoid potential penalties.
Despite concerns raised by Washington regarding the gas pipeline project, Pakistan remains committed to pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation with Iran. President Raisi’s visit underscores the importance of regional partnerships in addressing common challenges and promoting economic development.
