ISLAMABAD: Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam on Thursday stressed stronger and sustained bilateral engagement to expand trade, connectivity and regional economic cooperation, while speaking at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and organised by its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) to discuss Pakistan-Iran relations and regional developments.
The ambassador said Pakistan and Iran, as neighbouring countries sharing a long border and deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties, had significant opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He highlighted geographical proximity as an important advantage for expanding trade by reducing transportation and logistical costs, saying Iran could serve as a gateway for Pakistan to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Türkiye and European markets, while Pakistan could provide Iran greater access to South Asian markets and beyond.
Dr Reza said road, maritime and rail connectivity should remain key pillars of bilateral economic cooperation. He particularly highlighted the potential of stronger linkages among Karachi, Gwadar and Bandar Abbas, besides calling for expanded border crossings and improved border infrastructure.
The ambassador also underlined the potential for increased Pakistani food exports to Iran and greater transit activity through Pakistan.
On rail connectivity, he said Iran had developed infrastructure towards Zahedan and the Pakistani border, while further improvements on the Pakistani side were needed to establish an effective rail link connecting Pakistan with Central Asian and European markets.
Turning to regional security, Dr Reza appreciated the solidarity shown by the Pakistani government and people during the recent hostilities between the United States and Iran.
He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan’s senior leadership to promote de-escalation and facilitate dialogue.
He said Iran remained committed to negotiations and a peaceful and sustainable solution while retaining its readiness to respond to security challenges when necessary.
Referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the ambassador stressed that credible commitments and their implementation would be crucial for future diplomatic processes.
Expressing concern over continuing tensions in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza, he warned that prolonged confrontation was pushing the region towards greater instability and stressed the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and pursue peaceful solutions.
Dr Reza concluded that stronger and sustained Pakistan-Iran engagement was vital for promoting regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.
The discussion was moderated by ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin Ul Haque and attended by former senior diplomats, politicians and military officials, academics and security analysts. –Agencies
