Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the PM House, as per state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). During a press talk along with Iranian president, the prime minister said under the leadership of the Iranian President, the two countries could bring development and prosperity in their respective sides by turning their borders into hub of business activities.
He said during their meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on various fields of mutual interests including economy, trade, investment, diplomacy, security and culture. The Iranian president, who arrived here on Monday on his three-day official visit to Pakistan along with a high powered delegation, said that the trade volume between the two brotherly countries was below the existing potential and they wanted to increase the volume to US$10 billion annually in next five years.
He stressed that steps were needed to enhance border markets to give spur to the business and trade activities at the border areas, besides enhancing security. He said that the two countries shared common affinities and no one could separate them, adding the two sides in their meetings, decided to further promote the bilateral ties between the two countries in trade and economic sectors.
The president said that there were a number of common issues including fight against terrorism, efforts to curb organized crimes and smuggling, in which the two sides could enhance their cooperation. The president stressed that it was significant to further broaden the bilateral ties for the benefits of the two countries, besides continuity of cooperation at the highest level. He said that the historic and durable ties between Iran and Pakistan provided them opportunity to fully utilize them for the welfare and prosperity of the two nations. President Raisi said that Iran had achieved immense progress in science and technology and the country was ready to share their experiences and knowledge.
Conveying best regards from the people and the Supreme Leader of Iran to the people of Pakistan, he said the great people of Pakistan had always been supporting the oppressed people of various areas of the world specially the people of Gaza and had always been defending Islam and raising their voice for the freedom of Quds Al-Sharif. He believed that today people in different parts of the world were in pain due to current situation in Palestine.
At the same time, he said the international organization such as United Nations and UN Security Council that claimed to support human rights, could not deliver their core responsibility. Raisi emphasized that the people belonging to all religions across the world including that of Iran and Pakistan were calling for an end to the oppression and barbarism against the people of Palestine.
The Iranian President believed that the position adopted by the people around the world and by the Palestinian resistance will surely be realized one day. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Iran’s robust stand for the Muslims of Gaza and the barbarism being committed against them, saying that Pakistan in this regard also fully support the oppressed people of Gaza. He said the resolution of the UN Security Council with respect to Palestine was being violated.
He regretted that over 35,000 people had so far been martyred in Palestine. He also called for raising voice at various international forums including Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) till complete ceasefire in Gaza. At the same time, the prime minister said the Kashmir valley had also been turned to red by the blood of the oppressed Kashmiris.
Earlier, the Iranian president was presented a guard of honour at the PM House. The prime minister introduced him to the members of his cabinet. Later, the visiting dignitary planted a sapling at the PM House.
Earlier, the Iranian president arrived in Islamabad in the morning on a three-day official visit. During the visit, the Iranian president will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Iranian President H.E. Dr. Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Islamabad on a 3 day visit. He was accorded a warm welcome at Islamabad Airport. He was received by Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Ambassador Mudassir Tipu.… pic.twitter.com/C4lffEThR9
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 22, 2024
Leaders from both sides will also discuss regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism.
Issues such as strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and enhancing cooperation in diverse fields i.e. trade, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts will be part of the agenda of the meetings.
The Iranian president will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet the provincial leadership.
Earlier, the Foreign Office said in a statement that the Iranian president would be accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials, and a large business delegation.
