Iran wants to join China-Pakistan silk road: Pezeshkian
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed interest in joining the China-Pakistan Silk Road. He also emphasized plans to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in cross-border trade, market expansion, and the transport sector.
According to a report by Pakistan’s The News International, President Pezeshkian made the remarks during a press briefing in Tehran ahead of his official visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
"We can connect to the China-Pakistan Silk Road through Pakistan, and this route can eventually extend to Europe via Iran," said Pezeshkian.
He noted that current trade relations between Iran and Pakistan are in a good state and expressed his intention to raise bilateral trade to 10 billion US dollars during this visit.
Referring to the long-standing close ties between the two countries, the Iranian President stated that Iran and Pakistan share strong cooperation in various fields, including economy, science, culture, industry, and border security. He also highlighted the ideological bond between the people of both nations.
Addressing regional challenges, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s recent condemnation of Israeli and US aggression against Iran. He also praised the stance taken by Pakistan’s Parliament in defending Iran’s territorial integrity, underscoring the importance of unity among Muslim nations.
“External powers are trying to sow division among Muslim countries. In contrast, Iran is committed to strengthening solidarity and unity with Pakistan,” he said.
Upon arrival in Pakistan, President Pezeshkian was given an official welcome at Lahore Airport. He was greeted with flowers by children, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz received him at the airport. The three later left the airport together in the same vehicle.
Pezeshkian was accompanied by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and several other senior ministers and officials.
This is Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the cabinet.
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