ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi introduced Monday throughout a joint press convention with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad that the 2 international locations have resolved to extend their commerce quantity to $10 billion, stating the present stage as “unacceptable”.Raisi is on a three-day go to, the primary by any overseas chief since Pakistan’s controversial common elections on February 8.This additionally comes within the backdrop of Iran’s latest assault on Israel, involving greater than 300 drones and missiles. The go to is intently watched amid ongoing tensions with Israel, and US sanctions.“We’re dedicated to strengthening relations at excessive ranges. We now have determined to extend financial, business, and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran,” Raisi mentioned.Sharif echoed the sentiment. “We now have to maintain this relationship sturdy regardless of the challenges we face,” he mentioned, commending Iran for its agency stand on the humanitarian scenario in Gaza and urging for a right away cessation of hostilities.Pakistan and Iran share a 900km border, which is vulnerable to illegal crossings, smuggling, and militant infiltration. Each nations accuse one another of failing to stop terrorist organisations from searching for refuge on their territory and conducting cross-border assaults.Final Jan, Iran launched missile strikes in opposition to anti-Iranian militant hideouts in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, prompting Islamabad to retaliate with strikes on bases of anti-Pakistan militants working from Iranian soil. The alternate of strikes raised issues about bigger conflicts and regional instability.The Iranian President is accompanied by his partner, the overseas minister, cupboard members, and enterprise representatives.Analysts mentioned Raisi’s go to will even handle monetary and authorized points associated to the development of a fuel pipeline between the 2 international locations. Regardless of signing an settlement in June 2009 for the pipeline to export Iranian pure fuel to Pakistan, building on the Pakistani aspect has not began, probably on account of US stress as Iran’s vitality sector faces sanctions for its nuclear programme. Iran’s assault on Israel additional complicates Pakistan’s efforts to construct the pipeline.
