Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to energy cooperation and electricity trade, despite a warning of potential sanctions from the United States. The two countries signed a 28-point joint statement after Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s three-day visit to Pakistan, outlining plans for the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project and other bilateral agreements. The statement comes a day after the US State Department warned of the “potential risk of sanctions” in light of the deals between the two nations.
The joint statement emphasizes the importance of expediting the free trade agreement (FTA) and boosting bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years through joint economic projects, including border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings. The statement also highlights the need for a long-term economic partnership and collaborative regional economic and connectivity model, particularly for socio-economic development in border regions.
During delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi agreed to transform the common border into a “border of prosperity” and reiterated the significance of cooperation in energy, including electricity trade, power transmission lines, and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. They also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation on combating threats such as terrorism, narcotics smuggling, and human trafficking.
To facilitate economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of the Annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC), and Joint Economic Commission (JEC). They also agreed to facilitate the exchange of economic and technical experts and delegations from chambers of commerce.
Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral relations through academic, cultural, and tourism activities, particularly promoting tourism to historic religious sites. They emphasized the importance of regular cooperation and exchange of views between political, military, and security officials to combat common threats.
Regarding regional and global issues, both sides stressed the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. They highlighted the need to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people of that region, and in accordance with international law. They also condemned Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza.
Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to Afghanistan’s development as a peaceful, united, and independent state, free from terrorism and drug trafficking. They expressed willingness to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and security and to develop a united front against terrorism.
The joint statement also addresses the issue of prisoner exchange, calling for the release of prisoners based on existing treaties and agreements. Both sides condemned the attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and called on the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from targeting foreign diplomatic facilities.
Pakistan and Iran condemned incidents of Islamophobia and welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution against Islamophobia. They also agreed to start negotiations on free trade within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The joint statement highlights the close cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in multilateral fora and emphasizes the importance of regional stability and development.
