Pak-Iran bilateral trade to be increased to $10 billion: Ebrahim Raisi

ISLAMABAD (APP): Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen their bilateral trade ties and promote business activities at the border areas to foster development and prosperity for their people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at a press briefing alongside Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi after witnessing the signing of bilateral agreements and MoUs at the PM House, emphasized that under President Raisi’s leadership, both countries could drive development and prosperity in their respective regions by transforming their borders into hubs of business activity.

During their meeting, the two leaders engaged in detailed discussions covering various mutual interests, including economy, trade, investment, diplomacy, security, and culture.

President Raisi, who arrived on a three-day official visit to Pakistan with a high-powered delegation, noted that the current trade volume between the two brotherly nations did not fully reflect their potential and expressed a shared desire to increase it to US$10 billion annually.

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He emphasized the need to enhance border markets to boost business and trade activities in these areas while also addressing security concerns.

President Raisi highlighted the strong commonalities between the two countries, stressing that no external force could weaken their bonds. Both sides agreed to further bolster bilateral ties in trade and economic sectors.

Moreover, President Raisi underscored opportunities for enhanced cooperation on common issues such as counterterrorism, combating organized crime, and curbing smuggling.

He emphasized the historic and enduring nature of Iran-Pakistan relations, emphasizing the importance of leveraging these ties for the welfare and prosperity of both nations.

President Raisi also mentioned Iran’s advancements in science and technology, expressing readiness to share experiences and knowledge with Pakistan.

Additionally, President Raisi conveyed warm regards from the Iranian people and Supreme Leader to the people of Pakistan, acknowledging Pakistan’s consistent support for oppressed peoples worldwide, particularly in Gaza, and its defense of Islam and advocacy for Quds Al-Sharif’s freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Iran’s steadfast support for Gaza’s Muslims against barbarism and expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza. He lamented the UN Security Council’s failure to enforce resolutions on Palestine and highlighted the high toll of casualties in the region.

The prime minister called for raising these issues at international forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) until a complete ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

Regarding Kashmir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the plight of Kashmiris and expressed optimism about the region’s eventual liberation.

He extended gratitude to President Raisi for his visit, noting that Raisi was the first head of state to visit Pakistan after the general elections in February 2024.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Iran and Pakistan and stressed the importance of nurturing and strengthening these relations for mutual benefit, regional development, and prosperity.