Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance trade and bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including energy, maritime, and transport, the Pakistani Foreign Office said on Monday.
The development was reported after Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan concluded a two-day (June 17-18) visit to Tehran where he led the 12th bilateral political consultations. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the foreign secretary held “fruitful and wide-ranging discussions” with Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Ali Bagheri Kani. The two neighbouring countries agreed to enhance and diversify bilateral trade and expand cooperation in energy, transport connectivity, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Pakistan’s Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi and other senior officials from both countries also attended the meeting.
Recognising the significance of institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Joint Trade Committee (JTC), both sides emphasised the need for regular convening of these forums to foster closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During the Tehran visit, Asad Majeed Khan also met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and they agreed to maintain the current momentum of high-level exchanges and strengthen mutually-beneficial cooperation in diverse fields. The Pakistani foreign secretary welcomed the normalization of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Maritime Security Agency inks MoU with Iranian border guards
In a separate development, Secretary Defence Lt Gen (R) Hamood uz Zaman Khan, accompanied by a defence delegation, visited Iran, where both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on maritime cooperation was signed between the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Iranian border guards. This agreement aims to strengthen relations and foster collaboration between the PMSA and Iranian border guards in areas such as security, joint counterterrorism measures, and regional economic connectivity.
Iranian Navy Commander meets Pakistan Air Chief
In Islamabad, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani visited the office of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on June 19. The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest and regional developments, aiming to enhance the ties between the two navies.
During the meeting, the PAF chief highlighted the impact of advancements in space technology, electronic warfare, cyber capabilities, and artificial intelligence (AI) on national security. He briefed Rear Admiral Shahram Irani about the ongoing projects undertaken by the PAF, with a special emphasis on the modernization and development of indigenous capabilities. The Iran Navy commander expressed his commitment to further improving military-to-military relations, particularly in the areas of operations, training, and the aviation industry.
