Pezeshkian: Tehran determined to further strengthen Islamabad ties
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasizes Iran’s determination to further strengthen comprehensive relations with Pakistan and is ready to take more effective steps to strengthen the relations between and secure the common interests of the two nations, based on mutual trust and respect.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In his message, the Iranian president considered this occasion a valuable opportunity to commemorate the achievements of Pakistan’s great nation, and a new turning point in efforts to deepen and expand longstanding and strategic relations between Tehran and Islamabad.
"The common interests and fates of the two nations of Iran and Pakistan are more intertwined than ever before, and this reality doubles the necessity of closer synergy and cooperation,” Pezeshkian stated.
“Undoubtedly, the deep historical, cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people ties between the two nations are a valuable asset for charting brighter prospects in bilateral relations,” he added.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also congratulated Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the 79th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, extending his warm congratulations to the Pakistani government and people.
In his message to Ishaq Dar, Araghchi described the occasion as a valuable opportunity to recall the strong historical, cultural, civilizational and people-to-people ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, calling them valuable foundations for strengthening friendship and deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan emerged as an independent state on August 14, 1947, following the end of British colonial rule and the partition of the Indian subcontinent.
In recent weeks, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps to expand economic cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion and advance efforts toward a free trade agreement.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad during the 10th Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee meeting by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak and Pakistani Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.