ISLAMABAD: Iran’s First Vice-President Dr Mohammad Reza Aref has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Pakistan, with a goal to achieve $10 billion in bilateral trade.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain in Tehran, Dr Aref vowed to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, hoping that the next session of the joint economic committee, scheduled to be held in Iran, will help explore new avenues of cooperation.

The minister conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for expanding trade and economic relations with Iran, stating that Pakistan is eager to increase exports of rice, corn, bananas, meat, and livestock to Iran, while also offering opportunities for Iran to import high-quality pesticides and other agricultural products.

He emphasised that greater cooperation in agriculture and food security could act as a catalyst for overall economic integration between the two brotherly countries, stating that Pakistan attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral ties with Iran, not only in trade but also in cultural, historical, and people-to-people exchanges.

The minister stressed that Pakistan and Iran shared common interests in ensuring regional food security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing the challenges of climate change together. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Iran to achieve tangible results in these areas.

Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration in agriculture, food security, and trade would open new opportunities for prosperity and stability in the region.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025