FM Bilawal, Iranian president discuss bilateral ties

TEHRAN: Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s keen desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Iran, which are rooted deep in shared history and commonalities of faith, culture and heritage.

Talking to Iranian President Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on Tuesday, he underscored the importance of regular exchanges to advance economic and energy cooperation, regional connectivity, operationalization of barter trade and border sustenance marketplaces, and facilitation of Zaireen visiting Iran for pilgrimage.

The Foreign Minister also took up the issue of release/transfer of Pakistani prisoners detained in Iranian prisons.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari conveyed greetings to President Raisi on behalf of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and reiterated the official invitation to him to visit Pakistan at his convenience.

President Raisi welcomed the Foreign Minister and underscored that the two nations were bound by close historic linkages and strong fraternal ties. He noted that Iran attached great importance to its economic and trade relations with Pakistan, which had considerable potential for further growth.

Earlier during the day, the Foreign Minister held tête-à-tête with his Iranian counterpart followed by delegation-level talks.

During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including expansion of economic relations and trade volume, additional electricity import from Iran for Makran Division in Balochistan, and effective border coordination to address the security issues, smuggling, drug trafficking and transnational crimes.

Both sides also exchanged views on the regional security situation, with particular focus on developments in Afghanistan and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).