Key points
- Discussions with Islamabad will focus on regional peace: Pezeshkian
- Iranian leader says enhancing border markets could open new avenues for bilateral cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening regional peace, bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Speaking to the media in Tehran before leaving for Pakistan, President Pezeshkian highlighted that key discussions with Islamabad will focus on border security and regional peace.
He noted that enhancing border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Interest in CPEC
The Iranian leader also signalled Iran’s interest in actively participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Dunya News.
CPEC is a major component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he believes could provide Iran with a vital link to Europe.
President Pezeshkian expressed hope that bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan could be expanded to reach $10 billion.
He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Islamic unity between the two nations, warning that any attempts to disrupt this alliance would not succeed.
Close ties
Pakistan and Iran enjoy close ties and have signed several pacts in trade, energy and security in recent years.
However, the two countries have also been at odds over instability along their shared porous border but have always been quick in moving to ease tensions each time.
In May, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan at a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India over an attack in the disputed Kashmir region. His visit was followed by another by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Iran, where he had met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
