TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that the common interests of Iran and Pakistan are more closely intertwined than ever, underscoring the need for greater mutual cooperation as both countries mark Pakistan’s 79th independence anniversary.
In a congratulatory message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian considered the occasion a valuable opportunity to commemorate the achievements of Pakistan’s great nation and a new turning point in efforts to deepen and expand longstanding strategic relations between Tehran and Islamabad.
“The common interests and fates of the two nations of Iran and Pakistan are more intertwined than ever before, and this reality doubles the necessity of closer synergy and cooperation,” Pezeshkian stated.
He emphasized that the deep historical, cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people ties between the two nations are a valuable asset for charting brighter prospects in bilateral relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also congratulated Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, describing the occasion as a valuable opportunity to recall the strong historical ties between the two nations, calling them valuable foundations for strengthening friendship and deepening cooperation.
“I believe that the continuation of political and diplomatic consultations and the strengthening of economic, trade, border, security and cultural cooperation can pave the way for greater use of the existing capacities and the realization of the shared interests of the two countries,” Araghchi said.
Pezeshkian expressed the Islamic Republic’s determination to further strengthen comprehensive bilateral ties with Pakistan, stressing Tehran’s readiness to take more effective steps in this regard, building on mutual trust and respect and on shared interests.
In recent weeks, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps to expand economic cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion and advance efforts toward a free trade agreement. 
The memorandum focuses on expanding trade in border regions, developing maritime and shipping links, removing trade barriers, establishing joint free trade zones and promoting barter trade.
Major General Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National