ISLAMABAD: Following President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s departure after successfully completing his three-day official visit to Pakistan, the Foreign Office issued a joint declaration outlining bilateral agreements and highlighting plans for the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
The 28-point joint declaration stated that President Raisi engaged in delegation-level discussions with the Prime Minister, reviewing all aspects of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
Both nations have committed to finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) and enhancing bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years.
Pakistan and Iran have underscored the significance of energy collaboration and electricity trade, despite hints of potential sanctions from the United States following Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan.
This will be achieved through joint economic projects, establishment of joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings.
During President Raisi’s visit, discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian delegation focused on elevating bilateral ties and cooperation, with a particular emphasis on transforming the common border into a ‘border of prosperity’. Energy cooperation, including electricity trade and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, were key topics of discussion.
The joint statement also emphasizes the necessity of a long-term economic partnership, especially for the socio-economic development of Balochistan provinces in both countries.
Efforts to strengthen fraternal relations were highlighted, with commitments to promote academic, cultural, and tourism activities, as well as cooperation in combating threats such as terrorism, narcotics smuggling, and human trafficking.
To expedite the finalization of the FTA, both nations agreed to hold sessions of Annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC) soon. They also pledged to facilitate the exchange of economic and technical experts and delegations from chambers of commerce.
Operationalizing barter trade mechanisms and fully utilizing the TIR Convention for efficient trade were also discussed. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing connectivity, infrastructure development, and energy cooperation, particularly between Gwadar and Chahbahar ports.
The joint statement also condemned terrorism in all its forms, stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution, and expressed solidarity on issues such as Kashmir and Gaza.
Furthermore, both sides reiterated their commitment to the development of Afghanistan and pledged to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and security.
The release of prisoners and condemnation of attacks on diplomatic facilities were also addressed, along with the rising incidents of Islamophobia, for which both nations called for international action.
Lastly, Pakistan and Iran welcomed cooperation in various multilateral forums, aiming to strengthen their partnership on regional and global platforms.
