Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, improve trade and regional connectivity and enhance cooperation in the energy sector, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
The development came after Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Pakistan FM reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Iran in diverse areas.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited Tehran on a two-day visit at the invitation of Dr. Amir-Abdollahian. This is the first high-level visit to Iran since the new government took power in Pakistan. FM Bhutto also met Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and other senior government officials and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Bilawal said that the commitment to strengthen energy cooperation through the import of additional electricity from Iran would be another significant step towards improving bilateral relations between Islamabad and Tehran.
“Iran is a very important neighbor of Pakistan, one with which we share immutable historic and fraternal bonds,” said Bilawal while speaking during a joint press conference with the Iranian FM. “For the prime minister and for me, building close relations with Iran remains a high priority,” he added.
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen ties in diverse areas including
- Trade
- Investment
- Connectivity
- Border management
- Facilitation for zaireen (pilgrims)
- Cultural and educational cooperation, and
- Enhancing people-to-people exchanges
Mr. Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his gratitude that the two sides have mutually overcome major obstacles in the expansion of bilateral trade through operationalizing the barter trade mechanism.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that despite a recent rebuke from the UN nuclear watchdog, Tehran believes negotiations can progress in reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that despite a recent rebuke from the UN nuclear watchdog, Tehran believes negotiations can progress in reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
The two sides also discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, especially the dire humanitarian situation and economic fragility.