Islamabad, 14 June 2022 (TDI): On a two-day official visit to Iran, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with Iran’s President, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, at his office in Tehran.
On behalf of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Minister extended greetings to President Raisi. He renewed the official invitation to visit Pakistan at his leisure.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister emphasized Pakistan’s strong desire to strengthen bilateral relationships. These ties are based on shared historical and religious, cultural, and heritage values.
He also emphasized the significance of regular contacts in order to enhance economic and energy cooperation, regional connectivity, the operationalization of barter commerce and border sustenance marketplaces, and the facilitation of Zaireen pilgrimage to Iran.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister also addressed the problem of Pakistani captives held in Iranian prisons being released or transferred.
Meanwhile, President Raisi greeted Zardari, emphasizing the two countries’ deep historical relations and strong familial ties. He stated that Iran places a high value on its economic and trade relations with Pakistan. He believes that there is a lot of room for improvement between their relations.
Tête-à-tête and joint stakeout:
Moreover, the Foreign Minister had a tête-à-tête with his Iranian counterpart earlier in the day, followed by delegation-level talks.
Dr. Amir Abdollahian, the Foreign Minister of Iran also hosted a working luncheon for Zardari and his delegation. And the two Foreign Ministers held a joint press stakeout.
🇵🇰 FM @BBhuttoZardari and 🇮🇷 FM @Amirabdolahian addressed a joint press stakeout after detailed deliberations during delegation level talks.
🇵🇰🤝🇮🇷#PakFMinIran pic.twitter.com/NaUTiBpNPd
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 14, 2022
During the talks, the two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral issues. These issues included the expansion of economic ties and trade volume, additional electricity imports from Iran for Makran Division in Balochistan. Also, they discussed the effective border coordination to address security concerns, smuggling, drug trafficking, and transnational crimes.
In addition, the Foreign Minister also emphasized the need of holding the next Joint Economic Commission session in August.
Both parties also discussed the regional security situation. There was a special emphasis on events in Afghanistan and Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the Iranian leadership’s unwavering support for Kashmiri Muslims’ righteous cause.
The visit of the Foreign Minister to Iran is part of a regular series of high-level meetings between the two countries.
