Pakistan, Iran agree to increase bilateral trade volume to $10b

Pakistan and Iran have decided to promote their bilateral relations in diverse fields including political, economic, trade and culture. The understanding came at the delegation level talks between the two countries in Islamabad today. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the Pakistani delegation while that of Iran by its President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi. Later at a press stakeout, the Iranian President said both the countries have decided to enhance their trade volume to ten billion dollars. The Iranian President also emphasized the need for promotion of trade and business activities in the border areas for the wellbeing of the peoples there. Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi said both Pakistan and Iran are determined to fight terrorism and other organized crimes. He expressed the hope that his visit to Pakistan will be a turning point regarding the expansion and promotion of bilateral relations between the great people of Pakistan and Iran. In his remarks on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan's firm commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Iran. He said time has come to transform our border areas into the ones of economic progress and prosperity. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Iran enjoy historic relations and these are deep rooted in common faith and culture. He was confident that the visit of Iranian President will further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Iran. The Prime Minister also commended the Iranian stance on Palestinian issue. He said Pakistan stands by the Palestinian people. He said the Muslim countries need to collectively raise voice from various forums in support of the Palestinian people. The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Iranian leadership for raising voice for the oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He was confident that the day is not far when the Kashmiri people will also get their right to self-determination. On the occasion, both the leaders inaugurated the I ran Avenue, while President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi also planted a sapling at the premises of the Prime Minister House. Source: Radio Pakistan