ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised Islamabad’s desire to work closely with Iran to increase the bilateral trade, adding that the rail link between the two countries should be strengthened on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism.
President Zardari expressed these views during a meeting with Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, who called on him at the President House on Tuesday.
According to an official statement, the President said that frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflect positive momentum in bilateral ties and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian President in August.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership for its solidarity with Pakistan following the recent floods, including the humanitarian aid provided by the Iranian Red Crescent.
He said that cooperation between neighbouring countries is vital and serves the shared interests of both peoples.
Speaking on the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in history, faith, and culture, the President thanked Iran for its consistent support during the war with India and reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic backing for Iran amid Israeli aggression.
He lauded the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent conflict and commended the leadership of the Supreme Leader. He also appreciated Iran’s principled support for the people of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as for Palestine.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s desire to work closely with Iran to enhance bilateral trade, noting that the rail link between the two countries should be strengthened as a priority to facilitate commerce and promote tourism.
He added that improved connectivity would benefit businesses and travelers, particularly the pilgrims, and help deepen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
On the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, the President stressed the need for a mutually workable solution, noting Pakistan’s growing energy needs. He welcomed the recent technical discussions in Islamabad and said Pakistan looks forward to continuing talks in Tehran.
Dr. Larijani extended the greetings and best wishes of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Masoud Pezeshkian to President Zardari.
He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year.
He also praised the valour and successes of the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that “Pakistan’s victory is our victory.”
Dr. Larijani highlighted that following the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, several directives had been issued to provide preferential access for Pakistani products in Iran, paving the way toward achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion.
The discussions also covered regional and international developments, as well as issues related to security and counterterrorism.
Larijani calls on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Dr. Ali Larijani also called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and discussed Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, regional security, parliamentary cooperation, and opportunities for enhanced economic partnership.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of expanding regional peace, stability, and mutual cooperation.
He described Pakistan and Iran as brotherly neighbours and noted that recent high-level interactions between their leaderships mark a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties.
Both sides agreed on promoting parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges and emphasised the need for unity, solidarity, and a coordinated approach among Muslim countries.
He reiterated that Pakistan responded decisively to Indian aggression, strengthened its national defence, and consistently advocated for peaceful and sustainable solutions to regional and international disputes.
He also voiced concern over the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from its territory, while conveying best wishes for Iran’s future development vision.
Dr. Ali Larijani commended the Pakistani people for their support during the recent Israeli aggression. He welcomed the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and highlighted the vast potential for enhancing Iran-Pakistan cooperation across multiple sectors.
Ali Larijani arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an official visit to Pakistan. According to the Iranian embassy in Islamabad, Dr Larijani’s visit is of extraordinary importance, signalling a new strategic phase in Pakistan-Iran relations.
The two countries share a 900-kilometre porous border, which they aim to develop as a channel for enhancing transport and energy cooperation, as part of wider efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration.
