Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran have formalized their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the signing of 12 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan. The exchange ceremony took place in Islamabad, witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Pezeshkian.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the agreements encompass a wide range of cooperative efforts, including plant protection and quarantine, joint operation of the Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, and collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. Other areas of cooperation include information and communications technology, cultural and art exchange programs, tourism, youth engagement, mass media, and export initiatives. Additional agreements cover meteorology, climatology, maritime safety, firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, air services, product certification, and tourism cooperation for the years 2025-2027. Importantly, a joint ministerial statement was issued expressing intent to finalize a Free Trade Agreement.
During a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of converting signed MoUs into actionable agreements to achieve mutual trade targets. He also addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, urging the international community to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and expressing Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Palestine.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the significance of these agreements as a demonstration of the two nations' efforts to deepen bilateral relations across various sectors. He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Sharif to visit Iran, aiming to renew discussions and assess the progress in their cooperative endeavors.