TRADE & ECONOMY
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on an official visit to Iran, held a significant meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various domains, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
Dar is attending the 28th Council of Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Iran, reflecting Pakistan’s dedication to regional connectivity and collaboration. Upon his arrival in Mashhad, Dar was welcomed by Razavi Khorasan Vice Governor General Mohammad Ali Nabipoor and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu.
On the sidelines of the ECO meeting, Dar and Araghchi discussed matters of mutual interest and the latest regional and global developments. The foreign ministry’s statement highlighted their agreement to deepen bilateral cooperation across all spheres.
This meeting marks their second engagement within a month, following FM Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan in early November, where regional tensions, including the Gaza conflict, dominated discussions. During that visit, Araghchi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, emphasizing Iran’s resolve to counter cross-border terrorism and ensure regional stability.
At the ECO ministerial meeting, Dar is set to sign the ‘Charter for ECO Clean Energy Centre,’ underlining Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development in the region. In his address to the forum, he will advocate for greater connectivity through enhanced road and rail networks, streamlined visa regimes, and simplified border procedures, aligning with the ECO Charter’s goals.
This visit underscores the growing momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and highlights Islamabad’s active engagement in regional multilateral frameworks like the ECO, aiming to foster economic growth and political cooperation.