PM Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Raisi inaugurate border market and a power project in Pishin
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Pakistan and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held a crucial meeting today at the Pak-Iran border to expand the two countries’ bilateral ties.
Iranian President Raisi also hosted a luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior government officials during the inauguration of border market and a new power project that will supply electricity in Pakistani border areas near Iran.
The two countries’ top leaders are holding a bilateral meeting after a long time. Their meeting becomes more important in the wake of the Saudi-Iran rapprochement facilitated by China two months ago.
For the past many years, Pakistan has been importing electricity from Iran for its border areas at a mutually agreed tariff.
Importantly, Pakistan and Iran share a long history of close relations, dating back to the time of the British Raj. The two countries are linked by a common border, shared religious and cultural ties, and a common interest in regional stability.
In recent years, the relationship between Pakistan and Iran has become increasingly important due to the shared challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. Both countries have been affected by the rise of the Taliban and the influx of refugees from Afghanistan. They have also been working together to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
Despite their close ties, Pakistan and Iran have also had their share of disagreements. One of the most significant was over Pakistan’s support for the Taliban during the 1990s. This support led to tensions between the two countries and even to the closure of the border for a period of time.
In recent years, however, Pakistan and Iran have made efforts to improve their relationship. In 2016, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a number of issues, including trade, energy, and security. They have also held regular high-level meetings to discuss ways to strengthen their ties.
The relationship between Pakistan and Iran is likely to remain important in the years to come. The two countries share a number of common interests and challenges, and they have a long history of working together. However, there are also some potential sources of tension, such as the issue of sectarianism. It is important for both countries to manage these differences in order to maintain a strong and cooperative relationship.
Here are some of the key areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Iran:
- Trade: Pakistan and Iran have a long history of trade, and the two countries are working to increase their economic ties. In 2016, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2023.
- Energy: Iran is a major supplier of oil and gas to Pakistan, and the two countries are working to develop new energy projects together. In 2017, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to build a gas pipeline between Iran and Pakistan.
- Security: Pakistan and Iran share a common border with Afghanistan, and the two countries are working together to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. In 2018, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint border security force.
- Culture: Pakistan and Iran share a common cultural heritage, and the two countries are working to promote cultural exchanges. In 2019, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a cultural center in each other’s capital.
The relationship between Pakistan and Iran is a complex one, but it is also a vital one. The two countries share a number of common interests and challenges, and they have a long history of working together. It is important for both countries to continue to strengthen their ties in order to promote regional stability and prosperity.
