- At ISSI Roundtable, Iranian Envoy Underscores Geographical Proximity, Economic Complementarity and Shared Commitment to Regional Peace
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, has underscored the significant potential for strengthening Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations through expanded trade, connectivity, economic cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement.
Addressing a roundtable discussion at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Ambassador Moghadam said Pakistan and Iran, as neighbouring countries with deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties, shared a strong interest in expanding cooperation across multiple areas.
“Our geographical proximity provides significant opportunities to expand trade, connectivity and regional economic cooperation,” the Ambassador said.
He noted that the two countries share a long border and maritime connectivity, offering considerable opportunities to deepen bilateral economic relations. According to him, geographical proximity could help reduce transportation and logistical costs while creating new avenues for trade and investment.
The Iranian envoy highlighted Iran’s potential role as a gateway for Pakistan to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Türkiye and European markets, while Pakistan could provide Iran with enhanced access to markets in South Asia and beyond.
Connectivity as a Pillar of Economic Cooperation
Ambassador Moghadam identified road, railway and maritime connectivity as key pillars of future Pakistan-Iran economic cooperation.
Referring to the potential for stronger linkages among Karachi, Gwadar and Bandar Abbas, he stressed the importance of expanding border crossings and upgrading border infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
He also highlighted significant potential for increasing Pakistani food exports to Iran and enhancing transit trade through Pakistan.
On railway connectivity, the Ambassador said Iran had already developed railway infrastructure towards Zahedan and the Pakistani border. He noted that further infrastructure development on the Pakistani side would be necessary to establish an effective rail connection capable of linking Pakistan with Central Asian and European markets.
Iran Appreciates Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts
Turning to regional security, Ambassador Moghadam appreciated the solidarity demonstrated by the Government and people of Pakistan during the recent hostilities between the United States and Iran.
He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan’s senior leadership in pursuing de-escalation and facilitating dialogue.
The Iranian Ambassador said Tehran remained committed to negotiations and the pursuit of a peaceful and sustainable resolution to disputes, while maintaining its readiness to respond to security challenges when necessary.
Referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he emphasised that credible commitments, together with their effective implementation, would be essential for the success of future diplomatic processes.
Call for Greater Regional Diplomacy
Ambassador Moghadam also expressed concern over continuing tensions in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza, warning that prolonged confrontation could further deepen instability across the region.
He called for sustained diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, promote dialogue and advance peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
Concluding his remarks, the Iranian Ambassador reaffirmed that stronger and sustained engagement between Pakistan and Iran was essential not only for advancing bilateral interests but also for promoting peace, stability and economic cooperation across the wider region.
The roundtable was hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and organised by its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA). The discussion was moderated by Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General, ISSI.
The event was attended by former senior diplomats, politicians, military officials, leading academics and security analysts, who participated in an extensive discussion on Pakistan-Iran relations, regional security and prospects for enhanced economic and strategic cooperation.
BY: The Times Union
