Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized the need to bolster Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Iran, focusing on trade, security, cultural, and educational cooperation. During a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Gilani called for leveraging existing partnerships to enhance connectivity and reach a bilateral trade target of $10 billion.

According to Press Information Department, the discussion with Ambassador Moghadam revealed mutual satisfaction regarding the current level of cooperation, with Pakistan being one of Iran’s top five trading partners last year. Both parties expressed interest in expanding trade further. The Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s initiative in hosting an All Parties Conference on October 7, 2024, which he noted could inspire similar supportive measures throughout the Islamic World, particularly towards Palestine.

The meeting also touched on the challenges in the region, including the tense situations in Lebanon and Gaza. Ambassador Moghadam highlighted these issues as critical areas where both countries could extend their support. Acting President Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and discussed increasing people-to-people contacts and parliamentary exchanges to strengthen the fraternal ties between the two nations.

In concluding remarks, Gilani expressed gratitude towards the Iranian government for facilitating the spiritual journeys of Pakistani pilgrims visiting religious sites in Iran, acknowledging the profound cultural and religious bonds that further cement the relationship between the two countries.