\u00a0\u201cPakistan and Iran, as neighbouring countries with deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties, have a shared interest in strengthening cooperation across all areas. Our geographical proximity provides significant opportunities to expand trade, connectivity and regional economic cooperation.\u201d This was stated by H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, while speaking at a Roundtable Discussion at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) today. \u00a0The Ambassador stated that Pakistan and Iran, as neighbouring countries sharing a long border, maritime connectivity and deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties, have a strong interest in further strengthening bilateral relations. H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam said geographical proximity provides significant opportunities for trade by reducing transportation and logistical costs. He highlighted Iran\u2019s potential as a gateway for Pakistan towards Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye and European markets, while Pakistan could provide Iran access to markets in South Asia and beyond.The Ambassador identified road, maritime and railway connectivity as important pillars of bilateral economic cooperation. Referring to potential cooperation among Karachi, Gwadar and Bandar Abbas, he stressed the need to expand border crossings and improve border infrastructure. He also highlighted the potential for increased Pakistani food exports to Iran and greater transit activity through Pakistan. On railway connectivity, he said Iran had developed infrastructure towards Zahedan and the Pakistani border, while further development on the Pakistani side would be required to establish an effective rail connection linking Pakistan with Central Asia and European markets.Turning to regional security, the Ambassador appreciated the solidarity expressed by the Government and people of Pakistan during the hostilities between the US and Iran. He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan\u2019s senior leadership in seeking de-escalation and facilitating dialogue. He said Iran remained committed to negotiations and a peaceful and sustainable solution while maintaining its readiness to respond to security challenges if needed. Referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he emphasised that credible commitments and their implementation were essential for future diplomatic processes. The Ambassador expressed concern over continuing tensions in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza, warning that prolonged confrontation was pushing the region towards greater instability. He called for sustained diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote peaceful solutions. He concluded by reiterating that stronger and sustained Pakistan- Iran bilateral engagement was instrumental for regional peace and stability. The roundtable was hosted at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organised by its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), and moderated by Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General, ISSI. Pakistan\u2019s former senior diplomats, politicians and military officials, leading academics, and security analysts attended the discussion.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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