Iran, Pakistan aim for $10Bn trade goal, discuss strategic partnership
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Speaking during a phone call from Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, Mokhber revisited strategic objectives established during Raisi's April visit, which include important trade goal through joint initiatives and the lifting of trade obstacles.
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Iranian workers weld two gas pipes together at the start of construction on a pipeline to transfer natural gas from Iran to Pakistan, in Chabahar, southeastern Iran, near the Pakistani border, Monday, March 11, 2013. The leaders of Pakistan and Iran on Monday pushed ahead with a pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran despite American opposition, with the Iranian president saying the West has no right to block the project. Flags of Iran, left, and Pakistan, right, are displayed on the pipes (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Acting President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber said on Sunday that it is necessary to collaborate in efforts with Pakistan to achieve a bilateral trade target of $10 billion, a goal set during a visit by late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Islamabad earlier this year, IRNA reports.
Speaking during a phone call from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, Mokhber revisited strategic objectives established during Raisi's April visit, which include important trade goal through joint initiatives and the lifting of trade obstacles.
Mokhber also addressed a pivotal gas pipeline project between the two nations and called on Pakistani authorities to expedite its implementation, vowing Iran's support in overcoming any existing obstacles.
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Iran regards Pakistan as a strategic partner, Mokhber affirmed, expressing mutual determination between both countries' authorities to enhance relations across political, economic, and cultural domains by leveraging available resources.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the deep-rooted historical and cultural bond between Pakistan and Iran, affirming Islamabad's readiness to bolster economic and trade relations with Tehran.
Sharif hailed the visit of late President Raisi as pivotal in strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fulfilling agreements reached during the visit, including increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion and addressing impediments to the joint gas pipeline project.
The leaders also discussed on regional issues during the call, including the war on Gaza and counterterrorism efforts.
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Before departing to Islamabad in April, the late Iranian President told reporters that his government is looking to reach a $10 billion mark in bilateral trade with Pakistan.
Iran's southeastern neighbor holds strong economic and political ties with Tehran. The two governments look to further expand bilateral cooperation.
Raisi said that Iran and Pakistan share common values and excel in cooperation on issues relating to human rights, defending the oppressed Palestinian people, and fighting regional terrorism.
Raisi's government has made it a priority to enhance and expand relations with neighboring nations.
