Islamabad, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expand their trade and economic cooperation and to adopt a collaborative approach to combat terrorism. This was detailed in a joint statement issued at the end of Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the joint statement outlined several key agreements and initiatives to strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and Iran. Both countries affirmed their commitment to transform their common border from a “border of peace” to a “border of prosperity” through joint development-oriented projects, including setting up joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings.
The statement also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines, and the IP Gas Pipeline Project. The two sides agreed to boost their bilateral trade to ten billion dollars over the next five years and to expedite the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They also agreed to hold the next sessions of Annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), the Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC), and the 22nd round of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
Both countries agreed to facilitate regular exchange of economic and technical experts, as well as delegations from Chambers of Commerce from both countries, to intensify economic cooperation. They also agreed to fully operationalize barter trade mechanisms to facilitate economic and commercial activity, particularly through border sustenance markets, contributing to improved economic conditions for local residents and enhanced border security.
The joint statement underscored the need to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people in accordance with international law. It also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged people of Gaza, emphasizing accountability for the crimes committed by the Israeli regime. Additionally, the statement reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to supporting a peaceful, united, sovereign, and independent Afghanistan.
The statement emphasized the need to address rising incidents of Islamophobia, desecration of the Holy Quran, and advocacy of religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence. Both sides highlighted the importance of countering these trends and ensuring freedom of expression without encouraging hate speech.
The agreements and commitments in the joint statement reflect the evolving relationship between Pakistan and Iran, with a focus on economic growth, regional security, and collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and other shared challenges.