Islamabad, In a joint statement at the conclusion of the visit by Iranian President Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan, the Islamic Republics of Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, economic cooperation, and addressing mutual security concerns. President Raisi’s visit, from April 22 to 24, 2024, marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iranian president held delegation-level talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, discussing a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional security, and global challenges. The two sides signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements, reflecting their shared commitment to cooperation.
Key points from the joint statement include:
• Strengthening Ties: The two countries agreed to enhance interaction through regular exchange of high-level visits, emphasizing their historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational connections.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: Pakistan and Iran committed to expanding trade and economic cooperation, aiming to boost bilateral trade to USD 10 billion over the next five years. They agreed to establish joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings, as well as to promote cooperation in energy sectors, including the IP Gas Pipeline Project.
• Security and Counterterrorism: Both sides recognized terrorism as a common threat and agreed to work together to combat it. They highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation to confront challenges such as narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering.
• Regional Connectivity: The statement emphasized the need for regional cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and other forums. Both countries agreed to facilitate efficient and barrier-free trade through the full implementation of the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) Convention.
• Resolving Disputes: The joint statement stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. It underscored the need to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means, based on the will of the people in accordance with international law.
• Human Rights and Islamophobia: Both sides condemned rising incidents of Islamophobia and desecration of the Holy Quran. They called for strict measures to combat religious hatred and emphasized the principles of universality, impartiality, and non-selectivity in promoting human rights.
The visit concluded with President Raisi extending invitations to the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to pay official visits to Iran, reinforcing the commitment to deepen and diversify bilateral relations. The joint statement reflects the evolving partnership between Pakistan and Iran and their shared vision for a more peaceful and prosperous region.