Pakistan and Iran Aim to Raise Trade to $10 Billion, Says Prime Minister
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that both Pakistan and Iran are eager to increase their trade volume to $10 billion as soon as possible.
Speaking alongside Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at a joint press conference, the Prime Minister mentioned that several important documents were signed today to turn into formal agreements to help reach this $10 billion trade goal. Both countries’ teams will meet again soon to discuss steps to make progress.
During their meeting, the leaders talked about the strong bonds between Pakistan and Iran including their cultural, religious, and brotherly ties, and they agreed to work on strengthening these connections further.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked President Pezeshkian for his kind message to the people of Pakistan. He also spoke about the recent conflict in June when Israel attacked Iran without cause. The Prime Minister said Pakistan’s government and its 240 million people strongly condemned this aggression. He offered condolences for the Iranian generals, scientists, and civilians who lost their lives and prayed for the injured.
He praised the bravery of the Iranian forces and people who responded courageously with missile strikes, successfully challenging the Israeli attack.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan’s government, parliament, and people for supporting Iran during the 10-day Israeli attack. He described the ties between the two countries as deep-rooted in religion, culture, and history, quoting famous poetry by Allama Iqbal about unity among Muslim nations.
He emphasized that Pakistan is not just a neighbor but like a brother to Iran, and both governments are working sincerely to boost cooperation and increase trade from the current $3 billion to the $10 billion target.
The president said important agreements were signed today to promote collaboration in areas like science, technology, education, health, tourism, and justice. Steps will also be taken to improve land, sea, and air links to facilitate trading between the countries.
Both leaders agreed that border security must be strengthened to protect people from terrorist threats along the shared border.
President Pezeshkian called for stronger trade and economic ties to bring peace, growth, and stability to the region. He condemned the Israeli aggression in Gaza and said both nations seek to fight against efforts to destabilize the area.
He added that Muslim countries must unite and cooperate to counter expansionist threats and that Pakistan and Iran call on international bodies to stop double standards and respect the sovereignty of all nations.
Finally, he expressed happiness to be in Pakistan again, referring to it as his second home, and thanked the Pakistani government and Prime Minister for their warm welcome.
The day concluded with a signing ceremony where 12 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed. These cover cooperation in plant protection, science and technology, IT, cultural and educational exchanges, youth programs, health and research, maritime security, fire safety, judicial assistance, product quality inspection, tourism, and steps toward a free trade agreement.
