Pak-Iran determined to fight terror

ISLAMABAD
Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi Monday said both Iran and Pakistan are determined to fight against terrorism and other manifestations of insecurity which endanger our two countries and the wider region.
The Iranian president’s remarks came during his joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad following his three-day visit to Pakistan.
“There are a number of common positions and stances between our two countries, for instance, when it comes to fighting against terrorism both countries are determined to fight against terrorism, organised crime, narcotics and different forms and manifestations of insecurity which endanger our two countries and the region,” President Raisi said.
In his address during the presser, the Iranian president revealed that both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to increase trade volume to $10 billion.
“Today we decided to increase economic, commercial and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran,” he said, adding that economic and trade volume between the two countries is “not acceptable”.
President Raisi, highlighting the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, said that the two nations have historical ties which are based on religious beliefs and cultural similarities.
No one can sever Pakistan’s relations with Iran, he said.
The Iranian president, talking about several sanctions imposed on his country by the Western powers, said that the people of Iran have turned those sanctions into opportunities.
He hoped that his visit would prove to be important for mutual relations between Pakistan and Iran.
President Raisi also thanked the Pakistani government for its support towards the people of Gaza and condemning the genocide by Israel’s occupation forces. He lauded Pakistan for taking a bold stance on the matter.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz welcomed Ebrahim Raisi, highlighting Iran’s significance for Pakistan.
“Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan. The relationship of this region’s nations with Iran spans centuries,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz resolved to transform the border region of the two countries into an area where development and prosperity can be seen.
“This opportunity has to be used for the betterment of the people of both countries,” he stressed.
The premier also thanked Iran for taking a strong stand against the oppression of Muslims in Gaza.
“The resolution of the Security Council regarding Palestine is still being flouted today. All Muslim countries should raise their voices unitedly until a complete ceasefire in Gaza,” he stated, also thanking the Iranian republic for raising their voice for the oppressed people of Kashmir.