PM Shehbaz, Iranian President Pezeshkian Vow to Boost Trade, Regional Peace

PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan and Iran aim to

raise their bilateral trade volume from $3 billion

to $10 billion over the next few years

Associated Press of Pakistan

Tehran: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and working jointly for peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks at Sa’dabad Palace in Tehran during PM Shehbaz’s two-day official visit to Iran. Addressing the media after the delegation-level meeting, PM Shehbaz said the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and other key sectors.

“We are two brotherly nations with deep-rooted cultural and historical ties. We have resolved to transform this relationship into practical and productive cooperation,” the Prime Minister said.

Bilateral Trade to Reach $10 Billion

In an interview with IRNA prior to the visit, PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan and Iran aim to raise their bilateral trade volume from $3 billion to $10 billion over the next few years.

“We are exploring the possibility of signing a Free Trade Agreement. I believe the potential is even greater. Sustained economic engagement is key,” he noted.

He highlighted the strategic importance of economic connectivity between Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan regions, especially in tackling terrorism and fostering regional development.

Talks on Regional Issues, Indian Aggression, and Palestine

PM Shehbaz thanked President Pezeshkian for supporting Pakistan during its recent tensions with India.

“We desire peace in South Asia and believe in resolving disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue based on UN Security Council resolutions,” he said.

The Prime Minister also condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed.

“It is high time for the global community to step up and push for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine,” he urged.

Meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader

PM Shehbaz also paid a courtesy call on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei. He praised the Supreme Leader’s stature in the Muslim world and thanked Iran for its principled stance on regional issues.

The Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on India’s “hegemonistic” designs and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to peace and regional development.

“We deeply appreciate Iran’s support and mediation offer during the recent crisis with India,” PM Shehbaz said.

Ayatollah Khamenei praised PM Shehbaz’s leadership and efforts for regional stability and prayed for Pakistan’s prosperity.

Strategic Cooperation, Border Security, and OIC Alignment

President Pezeshkian underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation in security, politics, and international diplomacy.

“A secure and stable Pakistan is in Iran’s interest,” he said, calling for strengthened efforts to secure borders from terrorist and criminal elements.

He also welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, stressing the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue.

The Iranian President emphasized joint efforts to support the Palestinian cause and condemned the ongoing Israeli atrocities.

Departure for Azerbaijan, Trilateral Summit with Türkiye and Azerbaijan

On Tuesday, PM Shehbaz departed Tehran for Azerbaijan to attend the Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin. He was received by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov upon arrival.

The summit will be attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. PM Shehbaz is also expected to hold a separate bilateral meeting with President Aliyev.

This visit marks the third leg of PM Shehbaz’s four-nation tour, which also includes Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.