Raeisi: Iran’s strategy is to promote economic ties via secure borders

President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran and Pakistan are resolute on expanding relations, and Tehran’s strategy is based on promoting trade through a secure border.

In a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of the Army General Asim Munir in Tehran on Sunday, Raeisi underscored the development of border markets and energy cooperation between the two neighbors.

“Accelerating the implementation of bilateral agreements will promote economic and commercial cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. As a result, we will see improvement in political relations,” the Iranian president said.

Raeisi warned of plots by adversaries to tarnish ties among regional countries. The Iranian president placed a premium on employing the existing opportunities in the region and exchanging capacities in order to cement regional stability.

The Pakistani army chief, for his part, hailed Iran’s policy of expanding interaction with the neighboring countries, Pakistan in particular.

Pointing to the long border between Iran and Pakistan, General Munir said ramping up economic, commercial and trade exchanges can culminate in a more secure neighborhood. Tehran and Islamabad have reached agreements on boosting security along with the border, the general said.

Iran FM, Pakistan army chief urge enhanced trade, anti-terror efforts

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian of Iran and the Pakistani army commander met and discussed promotion of economic relations, the joint fight against terrorism, border cooperation, and gas pipeline and electricity exports.

Amir-Abdollahian expressed hope that Tehran and Islamabad would benefit from a strategic view to the issues of the Muslim world and the cultural commonalities to strengthen mutual relations.

He said the Pakistani army commander has played a constructive role in border security cooperation and the fight against terrorism.