ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP): Pakistan and Iran are witnessing one of the most constructive phases of their bilateral relationship in recent decades, marked by high-level exchanges, expanding economic cooperation and close coordination on regional issues, speakers said at a public talk held here on Tuesday.
The event titled “Pakistan–Iran Relations: An Enduring Partnership in a Changing Region” was organised by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) under its Ambassador’s Platform, said a press release.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, said that the two neighboring countries share a long common border and together represent a population of nearly 350 million people.
Robust people-to-people ties, a strategically significant geographic location, substantial complementary, and non-competitive economic structures create extensive opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. He further opined that Iran and Pakistan also maintain closely aligned positions on numerous regional and international issues, including the question of Palestine. He noted that terrorism and separatist movements are other serious challenges requiring enhanced cooperation and coordination between the two neighbors.
Moreover, their collaboration is reinforced through regional engagement, mutual diplomatic support, and common membership in important multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8).
He also shed light on the fact that Iran–Pakistan relations are currently experiencing one of their most constructive phases in recent decades. The exchange of more than 25 high-level delegations over the past two years, along with the signing of 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding across diverse sectors, reflects the upward trajectory of cooperation and the shared recognition of the strategic importance of bilateral relations.
Two presidential visits from Iran within this period, in addition to visits by the Speaker of Parliament, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, foreign ministers, and other senior officials, underscore the depth and dynamism of mutual interaction.
Ambassador Reza also pointed to the vast economic potential of regional cooperation, noting that Pakistan and Iran together represent a market of nearly two billion people, which could further expand with the inclusion of Turkiye. He concluded by saying that Iran–Pakistan relations rest upon a solid foundation of shared history, cultural affinity, and common strategic interests.
Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, Khalid Mahmood, said Pakistan and Iran are brotherly countries bound by history, culture and religion, with relations predating Pakistan’s independence. He recalled that Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan and supported it during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
While acknowledging that the relationship has experienced challenging phases, he noted that both countries today are closer than ever, though issues such as terrorism and sectarianism still require attention. In a changing regional environment, he said, Pakistan and Iran remain committed to pursuing peaceful and cooperative solutions.
Director CAMEA, Amina Khan, said the bilateral relationship is grounded in historical ties, geographic proximity and intertwined security and economic interests. She emphasised sustained high-level engagement and close coordination on regional developments, including Afghanistan and the situation in Gaza.
She further said that during last year’s 12-day Israeli aggression, Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes against Iran, labeling them “reckless” provocations that threaten regional stability and a “grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, international law, and the UN Charter.
The talk was attended by diplomats, academics, students, practitioners and members of the civil society.