Pakistan and Iran unveiled an ambitious five-year trade cooperation plan with the shared goal of elevating bilateral trade to an impressive $5 billion. The strategic move aims to strengthen economic ties and foster collaboration between the two nations.
The comprehensive plan was announced during a joint press conference featuring Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian. This significant announcement followed a high-level meeting and delegation-level discussions between the leaders of both countries.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed optimism about the impact of this collaborative effort, foreseeing a robust and enduring economic partnership between Pakistan and Iran in the forthcoming months and years. The core objectives of the plan, as outlined by Zardari, encompass the removal of trade barriers, the finalization of a Free Trade Agreement, and the establishment of institutional links between the private sectors of the two nations.
An essential point of focus during the discussions was the operationalization of the five remaining border markets by the end of the current year. This initiative is designed to streamline trade and commercial activities along the border shared by Pakistan and Iran, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions.
In addition to trade matters, the issue of prisoners was addressed during the talks. Both countries concurred on repatriating sentenced prisoners in line with existing agreements. Furthermore, both governments committed to the release of fishermen held in custody, and fines imposed by either country for vessel release were waived. This process will be expedited through the exchange of prisoner lists.
The leaders also engaged in discussions concerning the human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended gratitude to Iran for its steadfast support of the legitimate cause of the Kashmiri people.
Afghanistan emerged as another significant topic of conversation, with both nations pledging active engagement to foster peace and stability in the neighboring country. The well-being and prosperity of the Afghan people were underscored as the ultimate aim of these efforts.
A notable point of consensus was the joint commitment to counter Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. The ministers jointly condemned acts of Islamophobia in Europe, emphasizing the necessity to address such provocations that can potentially lead to violence.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian highlighted the significance of expanded cooperation in economic, trade, and tourism sectors. He reaffirmed Iran’s dedication to realizing the $5 billion trade target and proposed the establishment of a special economic free trade region along common border points.
Both leaders also underscored the importance of completing the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, recognizing its role in serving the national interests of both countries.
The discussions were marked by the signing of agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at fostering collaboration across various domains between Pakistan and Iran.
This initiative signals a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen economic and diplomatic bonds, while concurrently promoting regional stability and prosperity. The trade cooperation plan, centered on enhancing trade and addressing mutual concerns, sets the stage for a promising trajectory for Pakistan and Iran.
