Pakistan and Iran solidified their bilateral relations with the signing of eight significant agreements across various sectors during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s official three-day visit to Pakistan. Witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi, the agreements covered areas such as trade, science and technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial cooperation.
Among the key agreements was the establishment of the Rimdan-Gabd Joint Free/Special Zone, signifying a commitment to fostering economic collaboration. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of standards between Iran and Pakistan aimed to streamline trade processes.
Cooperation in labor and social welfare between the two nations was underscored by an MoU signed by the respective ministers. Furthermore, an agreement on judicial assistance in civil matters emphasized legal cooperation, while agreements on animal hygiene and health, as well as quarantine and phytosanitary measures, addressed mutual concerns in agricultural trade.
Legal cooperation was further solidified through an MoU between the Ministries of Justice of Iran and Pakistan. Additionally, a memorandum promoting film exchange and cinema cooperation highlighted cultural ties between the two countries.
The visit also marked the ratification of a security cooperation agreement, reflecting shared interests in maintaining regional stability.
President Raisi’s arrival in Pakistan was greeted with a warm reception, including a guard of honor and a tree-planting ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House to commemorate Earth Day. The leaders also attended the signing ceremony for the aforementioned agreements.
Beyond Islamabad, President Raisi’s itinerary included visits to Karachi and Lahore, where he engaged with provincial leadership and paid homage to Pakistan’s founding figures. These visits underscored the depth of historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
Overall, the visit and the signed agreements underscored Pakistan and Iran’s commitment to deepening their multifaceted relationship, spanning economic, cultural, and security domains.