Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that the common interests of Iran and Pakistan are more closely intertwined than ever, underscoring the need for greater mutual cooperation.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In his message, the Iranian president considered this occasion a valuable opportunity to commemorate the achievements of Pakistan’s great nation, and a new turning point in efforts to deepen and expand longstanding and strategic relations between Tehran and Islamabad.
“The common interests and fates of the two nations of Iran and Pakistan are more intertwined than ever before, and this reality doubles the necessity of closer synergy and cooperation,” Pezeshkian stated.
“Undoubtedly, the deep historical, cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people ties between the two nations are a valuable asset for charting brighter prospects in bilateral relations,” he added.
Pezeshkian expressed the Islamic Republic’s determination to further strengthen comprehensive bilateral ties with Pakistan, stressing Tehran’s readiness take more effective steps in this regard, building on mutual trust and respect and on shared interests, by making use of the extensive existing capacities.
The president wished progress and prosperity for Pakistan and hoped that the longstanding, brotherly relations between the two countries will be strengthened.
Pakistan emerged as an independent state on August 14, 1947, following the end of British colonial rule and the partition of the Indian subcontinent.
In recent weeks, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps to expand economic cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion and advance efforts toward a free trade agreement.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad during the 10th Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee meeting by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak and Pakistani Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.
The memorandum focuses on expanding trade in border regions, developing maritime and shipping links, removing trade barriers, establishing joint free trade zones and promoting barter trade.
