Pakistan and Iran agree to enhance trade exchanges at their border

Islamabad, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- Pakistan and Iran agreed today on Wednesday to enhance trade exchanges along their shared border. This came during a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Seyed Mohammad Atabak, who is visiting Islamabad leading a delegation of six members. The office of the Pakistani Prime Minister stated in a press release that the meeting resulted in an agreement to improve the facilitations necessary to keep the border open around the clock, as well as to develop logistics and customs procedures through coordination and increased cooperation in the mining sector between the two countries, particularly in the processing and value addition of gemstones. Sharif expressed his hope to achieve the bilateral trade target of $10 billion, set by the leadership of both countries through sustained efforts. The statement affirmed that both countries would benefit from enhanced trade, particularly in goods and food and agricultural products, while the Prime Minister noted that Pakistan views its relations with Iran with the highest esteem and respect. Sharif stressed that his country would continue its sincere efforts to achieve peace in the region, and that he had recently held a fruitful discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on establishing lasting peace in the region and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the trade sector. For his part, the visiting Iranian minister expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality, and praised Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the region. (End) S.B.K./R.J.