Islamabad: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has emphasized the importance of expanding border trade and economic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan to enhance security and stimulate economic growth in both nations. Upon his return from a three-day visit to Pakistan, Ghalibaf highlighted that developing border markets and flourishing trade would help resolve a significant portion of the insecurity and border challenges faced by the two countries. He noted that transforming borders into hubs of legal and large-scale economic activities would minimize smuggling and insecurity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ghalibaf’s visit commenced on Wednesday, following an official invitation from Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Sadiq. Throughout his visit, he engaged in extensive discussions with senior Pakistani officials, including Acting President and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.

Ghalibaf stated that one of the primary objectives of his visit was to express gratitude to the people and officials of Pakistan for their supportive stance during the recent 12-day conflict with the Zionist regime of Israel. He mentioned that wherever the Iranian delegation interacted with the public, there was a positive reception towards Iran’s decisive actions against Israel’s aggression.

During his discussions, Ghalibaf addressed political, economic, and security issues with Pakistani officials. He also participated in economic sessions involving Iranian and Pakistani traders and chambers of commerce in Islamabad, describing the exchanges as highly constructive.

Additionally, Ghalibaf remarked that the visit aimed to follow up on the implementation of 12 cooperation documents signed during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent trip to Pakistan. He noted that significant progress had been made, particularly in areas like free trade and barter, which were thoroughly discussed during the meetings.