ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday, reaffirmed that Pakistan highly valued its close and brotherly ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He emphasized that Pakistan would continue its sincere diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability across the region.
The prime minister met with a six-member delegation led by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Seyyed Muhammad Atabak that called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
During the meeting, the prime minister noted that he recently held a productive discussion with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the establishment of lasting peace in the region and the further enhancement of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, particularly in the area of trade.
Expressing his optimism, he said sustained efforts by both countries would help achieve the bilateral trade target of US$10 billion, as set by the leadership of Pakistan and Iran.
He highlighted that expanding trade, especially in food, agricultural commodities, and related products, would bring significant economic benefits to both countries.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistants Syed Tariq Fatemi, Haroon Akhtar, Talha Burki, and senior government officials.
Both sides agreed to enhance cross-border trade by improving border facilities to ensure 24-hour border operations, strengthening logistics infrastructure and harmonizing customs procedures.
They also agreed to increase cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones.
The prime minister also conveyed his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Minister Seyyed Mohammad Atabak expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the Iranian delegation.
He praised Pakistan’s leadership and people for their sincere diplomatic efforts toward regional peace and for expressing solidarity with Iran.
The Iranian minister reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to further expand economic and commercial relations with Pakistan.
He also highlighted that technical-level negotiations on Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were currently underway. –Agencies
