Cairo (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries in Cairo.
“Both leaders expressed resolve to further strengthen Pak-Iran fraternal ties in all areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and economy, energy, security and regional connectivity,” according to a press statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders hoped that decisions taken at the forum would catalyze enhanced cooperation among D-8 member states in mutually beneficial areas.
Read More: PM Departs for Egypt to Attend D-8 Summit
PM Shehbaz said there was a vast scope in bilateral trade and economic cooperation and that the two sides should identify new areas of collaboration “through various existing institutional mechanisms”.
“Pakistan and Iran should operationalize border markets to develop and improve the livelihood of border regions,” the PM said, adding that work on the inauguration of remaining markets should be expedited.
Both dignitaries showed grave concern at the genocide of innocent Palestinians by Israel and agreed to continue raising voices for the oppressed Palestinians.
“Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with their brothers and sisters from Palestine, Lebanon and Syria,” the prime minister reiterated.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Meets Turkish President Erdogan in Cairo
He conveyed profound regards to His Eminence, the Supreme Leader of Iran.
PM Shehbaz also congratulated Iran on becoming a full member of BRICS and requested Iran’s support for Pakistan’s membership bid.
He also invited President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz in Cairo
It should be noted that PM Shehbaz is in Cairo on a two-day visit to attend the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries.
The theme of the 11th D-8 Summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”
At the Summit, the Prime Minister will underline the importance of investing in youth and SMEs for building a strong and inclusive economy; creating jobs; advancing innovation; and promoting local entrepreneurship.
The prime minister is meeting the world leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Earlier in the day, he held bilateral meetings with Turkiye President Recap Tayyip Erdogan and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Yunus.
