Key Points
- Shehbaz and Pezeshkian meet during Ashgabat peace summit.
- Leaders review progress of Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission.
- Both sides plan to enhance trade and border cooperation.
- Leaders discuss Gaza peace efforts and regional developments.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed on Friday their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional issues, as Islamabad welcomed renewed cooperation between the two neighbouring states.
On the sidelines of the International Year of Peace and Trust summit in Ashgabat, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and productive meeting with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscoring the historically close and brotherly relations between the neighbouring countries.
The discussions built on earlier diplomatic exchanges and growing momentum in Islamabad-Tehran cooperation across political, economic, and security domains.
Economic ties discussed
During the bilateral meeting, both leaders appreciated the support their nations extended to each other in the face of external aggression earlier this year, reflecting the resilience of their ties.
PM @CMShehbaz held meeting with Iranian President @drpezeshkian in Ashgabat today. During their warm and cordial meeting, both leaders appreciated strong support that their countries had provided to each other when they had faced external aggression earlier this year#News… pic.twitter.com/neDCgBtBgh
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) December 12, 2025
They highlighted the 22nd meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission and agreed on the need to further strengthen cooperation in key areas, including enhancing bilateral trade, operationalising border markets, boosting border security, and revitalising transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.
The Prime Minister emphasised that closer economic integration and infrastructure connectivity would unlock significant opportunities for both countries, echoing recent diplomatic pushes to expand cross-border commerce and people-to-people ties.
Afghan, Gaza issues raised
Security concerns in neighbouring Afghanistan also featured prominently in the discussions, with Prime Minister Sharif urging meaningful action from the Afghan Taliban regime to address Islamabad’s serious security concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Both leaders exchanged views on ongoing peace efforts in Gaza and broader regional developments. President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the insightful and timely exchange of views and reiterated Iran’s desire to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
They highlighted frequent high-level engagements and agreed to deepen collaboration on trade, connectivity, and regional peace.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometre porous border, which they aim to develop as a channel for enhancing transport and energy cooperation.
Islamabad and Tehran have also voiced their desire in recent months to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion.
