Pakistan and Iran vow to boost trade volume to $10bln

PM Shehbaz lauds Iran’s steadfast support for Palestinian and Kashmir cause

Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to bolster bilateral relations across various sectors, aiming to elevate their trade volume to a staggering $10 billion.

The decisive consensus was reached during high-level delegation talks held in Islamabad today.

Led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the Pakistani side and President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi representing Iran, the discussions underscored the shared vision of advancing political, economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Addressing the press following the talks, President Raisi emphasized the significance of promoting trade and business activities in border areas, underscoring their potential to foster prosperity and well-being for the local populations.

Echoing these sentiments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif articulated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its relationship with Iran. He emphasized the transformative potential of border regions, envisioning them as hubs of economic progress and prosperity.

Highlighting the historic and enduring bonds between Pakistan and Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that President Raisi’s visit would catalyze further strengthening bilateral ties.

Moreover, the leaders discussed joint efforts in combating terrorism and organized crime, underscoring their shared determination to address common challenges.

The Prime Minister also lauded Iran’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people. He called for collective action among Muslim nations to amplify their voice in advocating for Palestinian rights on various international platforms.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Iran’s advocacy on behalf of the oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to their right to self-determination.

Pakistan, Iran sign 8 MoUs

Iran and Pakistan have inked eight memoranda of understanding for collaboration in a range of areas.

PM Shehbaz and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi witnessed the MoU signing ceremony.

The accords included cooperation in veterinary and animal health, judicial support in civil cases, and security matters.

They signed memoranda of understanding for the creation of a special economic zone in Gabad, and another for film exchanges and cooperation between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and the Organization of Cinema and audiovisual affairs of Iran.

MOUs were also signed for cooperation between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Ministry of Cooperatives, labours and social welfare of Iran as well as between the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority and National Standards Organization of Iran.

Under one of these MoUs, joint film production projects will be undertaken and delegations will be exchanged to understand each other’s film industry, sources said, adding that film weeks and other cultural events will be held in each other’s countries as well.

Additionally, an MoU on mutual legal cooperation was also signed.