Pakistan, Iran Agree to Boost Trade, Border Connectivity and Mining Cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Iran during a meeting with an Iranian delegation led by Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Seyed Mohammad Atabak. The prime minister said Pakistan highly values its brotherly relationship with Iran and remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region through sincere diplomatic efforts.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he had held productive discussions with the Iranian president on expanding bilateral trade and expressed confidence that the two countries would achieve their $10 billion bilateral trade target through sustained efforts. He said enhanced cooperation in trade and agricultural products would deliver mutual economic benefits and contribute to greater regional prosperity.

Both sides agreed to facilitate cross-border trade by improving infrastructure and increasing facilities to keep border crossings operational 24 hours a day. They also agreed to expand cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones, as part of broader efforts to strengthen industrial collaboration between the two neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader and President, while Minister Atabak thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the Iranian delegation. The Iranian minister said Tehran was keen to further expand economic and trade relations with Pakistan and deepen cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest.