Iran can join China-Pakistan Silk Road: Pezeshkian

TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD: President Masoud Pezeshkian Saturday outlined plans to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in border trade, markets and transport, highlighting the potential for Iran to connect to the Silk Road currently being developed between China and Pakistan, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported.

According to official website of Iranian Presidency, the president was speaking to the media in Tehran during a briefing before embarking on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he also mentioned developing border trade via land, air and sea with Pakistan as one of the priorities of this trip, adding, “Through Pakistan, we can connect to the Silk Road between China and Pakistan, and this road can connect to Europe through Iran.”

He said, “Currently, there are very good trade relations between the two countries, and during this trip, we will work to elevate these relations to the targeted amount, which is close to $10 billion.”

President Pezeshkian emphasized the existing strong trade relations between the two nations and expressed optimism about enhancing these ties further during his trip.

The president also highlighted the deep-rooted and warm relationship that has developed between Iran and Pakistan since the latter’s establishment, noting that this partnership spans various sectors, including economic, scientific, cultural, industrial and border cooperation. He also acknowledged the ideological bond shared between both peoples.

Reflecting on regional challenges, Pezeshkian pointed out Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran. He praised the Pakistani parliament for its support of Iran’s territorial integrity and reiterated the importance of solidarity among Islamic nations.

In conclusion, he addressed the challenges posed by external forces attempting to create divisions among Islamic countries. He affirmed Iran’s commitment to fostering cohesion with Pakistan.

Later, Iranian President Masoud Peshkeshian arrived in Pakistan on a two-day state visit. His plane landed at Lahore airport where he was given a grand welcome. He was presented with bouquets by children at the airport.

The president was warmly welcomed by PMLN President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, after which the three personalities left the airport in the same vehicle.

The Allama Iqbal International Airport was decorated with the flags of Pakistan and Iran.

Pezeshkian was accompanied by a delegation of several ministers and high-ranking officials, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Later, President Pezeshkian visited the mausoleum of the Poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal to pay tribute to his legacy.

He was accompanied by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari.

During the solemn ceremony, President Pezeshkian laid a wreath at the grave and offered Fateha, led by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb of Badshahi Masjid Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

The Iranian president also penned heartfelt remarks in the visitors book, expressing admiration for Allama Iqbal’s visionary contributions to Islamic philosophy and the Pakistan Movement.

Later, Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad where he was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar at the Nur Khan airbase.

Dr Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and also hold delegation-level talks with the prime minister and his cabinet ministers.

A 21-gun salute was accorded to President Dr Pezeshkian on his arrival, and two children dressed in traditional attire, presented bouquets to him. The Foreign Office in a statement said, “This marks Dr Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran.” It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Iran on May 26, 2025. The visit is expected to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.