Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed the desire on Monday to fight against terrorism through enhanced efforts and bilateral cooperation.
The Iranian president reached Islamabad earlier on Monday on a visit that the outside world will watch closely against the backdrop of Tehran’s ongoing tensions with Israel.
The two leaders, during a joint press conference, also announced that the trade volume between the two countries would be increased to $10 billion as Raisi termed the current trade volume “not acceptable”.
“We are committed to strengthening relations at highest levels. The Economic and trade volume between Iran and Pakistan is not acceptable. We have decided as a first step to increase trade volume between our two countries to $10bn,” said the Iranian president.
The premier called for further strengthening of bilateral relations “despite the challenges” that both countries faced.
“Pakistan and Iran can prosper and our borders can see progress,” said the premier expressing hope that the border areas of the two countries can also prosper through increased trade.
The two leaders also agreed on strengthening mutual bonds by collaborating in trade, and communications and the discussions centred around resolving regional challenges through dialogue.
Shehbaz also lauded Iran for taking a strong stand on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities there. He called on Muslim countries to unite and raise their voice for an end to the conflict.
The head of state was earlier received by Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at the Nur Khan Airbase.
Raisi was presented with a guard of honour by a contingent of the armed forces after arriving at the Prime Minister’s House and anthems of both countries were played on the occasion. Later, the prime minister introduced his cabinet members to the visiting dignitary.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi presented with a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House. PHOTO: PMO
The premier, welcoming him to Pakistan, said the Iranian head of state was the first foreign leader to visit the country after the general elections of February 8.
The Iranian president later planted a sampling along with the premier on the occasion of Earth Day. The two leaders will also attend the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in various fields.
There will also be a round of delegation-level talks between the two countries, reported Radio Pakistan.
Dar meets Raisi
Foreign minister Ishaq Dar called on the Iranian president after his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House. During the meeting, the two emphasized the importance of enhanced efforts to further consolidate bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation.
They also discussed regional and global developments and affirmed resolving regional challenges through dialogue.
