Iran, Pakistan to intensify joint efforts against terrorism

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that Iran and Pakistan agreed to strengthen their joint efforts against terrorist organisations and to enhance bilateral cooperation in this area. 

"Iran and Pakistan also share common views on the necessity of halting the crimes of the Israeli regime," Araghchi told reporters after the visit to Islamabad, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

"The two countries have agreed to intensify their efforts to bring an end to Israeli atrocities within international organizations, including at the upcoming summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation," he noted.

During his time in Islamabad, Araghchi held discussions with senior political and military leaders, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah. 

The two countries also enjoy close trade ties. The border towns in Pakistan are flooded with Iranian goods ranging from oil, shampoos to yogurt brands. In 2020, Iran's exports to Pakistan had reached $352 million, making it the third largest export destination for Iranian goods.

According to Iranian customs data, in the first half of 2022, Iranian exports to Pakistan totalled $321 million, with imports from Pakistan reaching $110 million. Last year, the two countries signed an agreement to boost their bilateral trade to $5 billion in coming years. In 2017, the central banks of both nations signed a banking and payment agreement, cementing financial cooperation and relaxing credit requirements.

By Naila Huseynova