Iran, Pakistan interior ministers confer on boosting bilateral trade, regional peace
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Momeni stated that the main objective of the talks was to follow up on the agreements reached during a previous visit by an Iranian delegation to Islamabad.
"Relations between Iran and Pakistan over the past two years have been strategic and deep. Officials of both countries are highly committed to developing cooperation in all aspects. Our ties are not limited to a specific issue; rather, excellent relations are established across all sectors," Momeni noted.
Highlighting that parts of the previous agreements have already been implemented, the Iranian minister added: "Increasing trade exchanges from $3 billion to $10 billion is our short- and medium-term goal, which we will achieve by removing the obstacles."
Given the significant and influential positions of Iran and Pakistan in the region, the officials also exchanged views on ongoing regional developments.
Responding to a question regarding the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) interior ministers' meeting, Momeni explained: "Last year, following the 12-day war, the ECO interior ministers' summit was held in Tehran, and it was decided that Pakistan would host the next session. Accordingly, the summit will be held in Pakistan next month, and I will attend on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, where bilateral issues will also be pursued."
He further expressed gratitude for the close interaction of Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir and the interior minister, noting that there are no hurdles in reaching the $10 billion trade target and any emerging issues are swiftly resolved through coordination.
Detailing the status of common borders, Momeni said: "Currently, we have two active border crossings that will operate round-the-clock to achieve the $10 billion trade volume with a daily transit of at least 2,000 trucks. Additionally, once infrastructures are prepared, another border crossing will be opened in Kuhak."
The Iranian minister also pointed to the synchronization of rail infrastructures, stressing plans to prevent trains from unloading at the border, thereby eliminating the need for reloading onto trucks. He noted that he and his Pakistani counterpart hold weekly phone calls to ensure the rapid removal of any administrative barriers.
For his part, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed satisfaction with his visit to Tehran, stating: "I am very happy to be in Iran and feel as though I am in my own ministry. I sincerely thank Mr. Momeni for his hospitality."
Noting that Monday's talks focused on following up on the Islamabad agreements and border cooperation, Naqvi added: "During this meeting, we also discussed the efforts of Pakistan's prime minister and army chief regarding the peace process and its advancement."
Naqvi concluded by expressing optimism about the positive approach of both nations toward expanding ties, hoping that bilateral issues would be pursued with even greater speed and seriousness during Momeni's upcoming visit to Islamabad for the ECO summit.
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