Iran’s president calls for broadening economic ties with Pakistan

During a joint press conference with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on April 22, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed his gratitude towards the Pakistani side and the government for hosting the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Describing the relations between Iran and Pakistan as unbreakable bonds, he stated that both countries have the capacity to benefit their nations, highlighting that they should advance their relations in all spheres, especially in the economic, political, and cultural domains, according to IRNA news agency.

President Raisi said that the level of economic and commercial relations between the two countries was unacceptable and announced that the level of commercial and economic relations between the two countries would increase to $10 billion annually in the first step.

He also highlighted that Iran and Pakistan share the same position in combating terrorism and are determined to fight organised crime, drugs, and various types of insecurity.

Raisi considered the protection of human rights as the main focus of cooperation between the two countries, at the bilateral, regional and international levels.

The president referred to Iran-Pakistan border as an opportunity for both sides and stressed that the border between the two countries should be maintained secure for the welfare of the two nations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, President Raisi discussed the situation in Gaza and expressed his concern that international organisations have failed to effectively address this issue, adding that such organisations, which claim to advocate for human rights, have lost their effectiveness, and the Security Council has not fulfilled its duty in resolving the conflict.

For his part, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his country and Iran are concerned about the situation of the people of Gaza and condemned the crimes of the Zionist regime.

He urged the international community to take immediate action to end the military attacks on Gaza.