Both Pakistan and Iran promised to greatly strengthen their economic and security ties during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s historic visit. In the course of their talks, Iran and Pakistan agreed to quadruple their commerce from $2 billion to $10 billion in the following five years. This objective demonstrates their will to overcome outside challenges and strengthen bilateral economic relations.
Creating economic free zones and cooperative border markets are two important projects, as is moving forward the important Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. Although Pakistan has postponed building of the pipeline, mostly because of worries about US sanctions, Iran finished their portion in 2013.
Particularly as Pakistan looks for a loan from the International Monetary Fund, the United States has cautioned it about the possible sanctions risks associated with growing commercial connections with Iran. But Pakistani authorities are still upbeat about settling a deal with the United States to proceed with the pipeline project. They feel that keeping the economy stable and containing inflation depend on it. Over the talks, security cooperation also took front stage. Both nations emphasized the need of continuing collaboration to combat people trafficking, drug smuggling, and terrorism. Though there were no major developments on the problem of cross-border attacks, the discussions concentrated on fostering trust and advancing economic participation.
Raisi was in Pakistan to try to mend his damaged public image from the January events. His schedule highlighted attempts to strengthen diplomatic relations through cultural interaction with trips to significant cultural sites and an orphanage.
Even with complicated dynamics and outside pressure, Iran and Pakistan’s reaffirmed commitments demonstrate a great mutual desire. Their top priorities are regional security, economic growth, and strengthening of the cooperation.