Pakistan, Iran Pledge to Boost Bilateral Trade to $10 Billion, 12 New Agreements Signed

Key Highlights

• High-level meetings with PM Shehbaz, President Zardari, COAS, and cabinet members
• Trade target set at USD 10 billion
• 12 MoUs signed including FTA, maritime safety, science, education & tourism
• Agreements to boost border security, barter trade, and trade route development
• Joint condemnation of Israeli aggression in Gaza and support for Kashmir cause

APP

Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations by significantly enhancing trade, regional cooperation, and connectivity. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian jointly announced a mutual goal to raise the Pakistan-Iran trade volume to USD 10 billion, up from the current $3 billion.

During a joint press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif stated that both sides are “keen to realize the $10 billion trade target as soon as possible,” citing the signing of 12 landmark agreements and MoUs as a major step forward.

“Today, both countries signed multiple documents that will transform into actionable agreements. Our delegations will continue detailed discussions to take this forward,” said PM Sharif.

Agreements to Boost Trade, Connectivity, and Security

The agreements signed covered cooperation in science and technology, maritime security, agriculture, education, tourism, health, and fire safety, as well as a joint ministerial statement on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Initiatives to facilitate barter trade, enhance export quotas for rice, meat, and fruit, and operationalize border markets were also discussed.

President Pezeshkian confirmed Iran’s commitment to developing land, sea, and air trade routes with Pakistan and expressed confidence in reaching the $10 billion target soon. He also underscored the importance of regional stability and coordinated efforts to combat border terrorism.

Strategic Cooperation in Regional Peace and Security

Prime Minister Sharif thanked Iran for its support during the recent Pakistan-India standoff and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran following unprovoked Israeli aggression. He offered condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian military officials and civilians and applauded Iran’s resilience during the recent 12-day conflict.

Both leaders condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and urged the international community and Muslim Ummah to unite for a ceasefire. PM Sharif highlighted parallels with the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and appreciated Iran’s consistent support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Presidential Meetings Reinforce Shared Vision

President Pezeshkian also met President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where both sides emphasized coordinated diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s gratitude for Iran’s principled stances on global issues and appreciated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s support for Kashmir.

“Pakistan and Iran enjoy fraternal relations rooted in shared religion, culture, and mutual respect,” said President Zardari.

President Pezeshkian reciprocated by thanking Pakistan for its steadfast support during times of conflict and expressed optimism that his official visit would “further solidify brotherly relations between the two nations.”