Cairo :Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral ties across a spectrum of sectors, including trade, energy, security, and regional connectivity. The shared resolve was articulated during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo.
The leaders expressed optimism that the outcomes of the D-8 Summit would contribute to enhanced cooperation among member states in areas of mutual interest. They reiterated the importance of strengthening the economic partnership between Pakistan and Iran, identifying border markets and institutional mechanisms as vital tools for expanding trade.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade and called for accelerating efforts to operationalize border markets. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, emphasizing the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians under Israeli aggression.
Both leaders acknowledged the robust support the two nations have extended on each other’s core issues and pledged to maintain close collaboration on regional and global matters. They agreed to continue advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people on all international platforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader, lauded Iran’s BRICS membership, and sought Tehran’s support for Pakistan’s BRICS bid. In a gesture to deepen ties further, he extended an invitation to President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two neighbors.
