CAIRO (Urdu Times) PM Shehbaz, Iranian President discuss trade, energy, & regional cooperation at D-8 Summit
By Rehan Khan
CAIRO: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met on Thursday on the sidelines of the 11th D-8 Summit, engaging in a bilateral dialogue focused on enhancing cooperation and strengthening ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, both leaders expressed optimism that the decisions reached at the D-8 Summit would foster greater collaboration among member states in areas of mutual benefit. They reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Pakistan-Iran fraternal relations, with a particular emphasis on trade, economic cooperation, energy, security, and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the need to tap into the untapped potential in bilateral trade and economic collaboration by identifying new sectors through established institutional mechanisms. He also stressed the significance of operationalizing border markets, highlighting their role in improving the livelihoods of border communities. While some markets have already been inaugurated, the prime minister called for expedited efforts to open the remaining ones.
Both leaders acknowledged the longstanding mutual support on core issues and reiterated their determination to remain closely engaged on matters of regional and global importance. They also expressed grave concern over the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israel and vowed to continue advocating for the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his profound regards to His Eminence, the Supreme Leader of Iran, and congratulated Iran on its recent accession as a full member of BRICS. He further sought Iran’s support for Pakistan’s bid to join the BRICS group.
The prime minister extended a formal invitation to President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan, reflecting the continued desire to deepen bilateral engagement and cooperation.
