High-ranking officials from Iran and Pakistan signed 12 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on August 3 during a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Islamabad, marking a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, the Iranian Presidential website reported.

The agreements encompass a diverse range of fields, including tourism, agriculture, judicial and legal affairs, industry, science and technology, transportation and transit, cultural heritage, and trade and economic cooperation. The MOUs aim to lay the groundwork for enhanced bilateral engagement and mutual development.

President Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on August 2, beginning his visit in Lahore before travelling to Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally received him. The signing ceremony followed a high-level meeting between delegations from both countries.

At a joint press conference, President Pezeshkian stressed the historic friendship and cultural affinity between Iran and Pakistan, describing the relationship as rooted in centuries of shared heritage. He underscored Iran’s commitment to its neighbourhood policy, calling it a central pillar of the country’s foreign affairs strategy.

“I deeply believe that we can easily and swiftly increase the volume of trade between Iran and Pakistan from the current $3bn to a projected $10bn,” Pezeshkian stated.

He described the bilateral discussions as fruitful, covering political, economic, commercial, and cultural dimensions. The signed documents, he said, would facilitate exchanges in trade, tourism, transportation, science, education, and more.

Among other key areas of focus during the discussions were the development of rail, road, and maritime transit routes, equipping border markets and establishing joint free trade zones, according to the president.

Pezeshkian also highlighted the need for enhanced border security, citing threats posed by terrorist groups operating in frontier regions. Both sides agreed to increase cooperation to ensure safety and stability for residents in border cities.

Prime Minister Sharif echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism that the MOUs would be implemented promptly, helping to realise the $10bn trade target. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s shared commitment with Iran to combat terrorism, which poses a threat to both nations.