ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the early convening of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) will further strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Iran.

“Pakistan is interested in expanding trade in goods and barter, as well as energy cooperation with Iran,” he said. said during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

He exchanged Eid greetings with him and discussed bilateral relations. Over the past two days, Prime Minister Shehbaz has called on the leaders of five Muslim countries on the occasion of the festival.

Raisi said holding the JEC meeting regularly could pave the way for improving the level of relations between the two countries, according to the statement from the Iranian presidency.

“We are ready to expand the areas of relations and increase exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of energy and agriculture,” he said, “the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan”.

Stressing the importance of the historical ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s firm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in all areas of mutual cooperation.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that border subsistence markets would soon become functional to facilitate livelihoods in the border region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to the Iranian leadership for providing timely support and loaning IL-76 jets to Pakistan to help put out the forest fires in Balochistan.

Appreciating Iran’s cooperation in facilitating the visit of pilgrims every year, the prime minister stressed the importance of further enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

“Iran is the best friend of neighboring countries in different situations,” said Iranian Raisi.

The Prime Minister appreciated Iran’s unwavering support for the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, especially by Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The Afghan issue was also discussed, with Prime Minister Shehbaz declaring: “We want peace and stability to return to Afghanistan and the improvement of living conditions for the people of the country, as well as the provision reasons for the return of the Afghans”. refugees in their own country.

President Raisi thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz for Eid’s congratulations and assured him of Iranian cooperation to further intensify bilateral trade, especially the supply of electricity to Makran Division.

Stressing the importance of high-level exchanges, the Prime Minister extended a cordial invitation to the Iranian President to visit Pakistan.

President Raisi has invited the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Iran as soon as possible.