Iran has expressed its interest in joining the Silk Road initiative alongside Pakistan and China, aiming to capitalize on growing regional connectivity and infrastructure development. This came to light during an official meeting in Islamabad, where Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, joined Pakistani officials in discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and improving transportation and trade links.
During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, revealed that Iran is keen to become a part of the Silk Road initiative alongside Pakistan and China. This strategic move aims to enhance regional connectivity and improve infrastructure, especially in the realms of transportation, maritime trade, and road development. The discussions focused on expanding the Gwadar-Chabahar route to boost maritime trade, which could significantly benefit the economies of all three countries.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, who hosted the Iranian delegation, praised Iran’s strong stance against Israeli aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring solidarity with Iran. The ministers discussed the importance of improving cross-border infrastructure, particularly the Quetta-Zahedan route, and modernizing transportation links between the two nations.
Moreover, both parties explored expanding trade opportunities, with Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan highlighting the untapped potential for increased bilateral trade. Pakistan and Iran are also committed to enhancing their railway connectivity, specifically through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway project. This includes upgrading the Quetta-Zahedan railway line, which will improve regional integration.
In addition to the discussions, Pakistan and Iran signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of sectors. These include cooperation in plant protection, air services, tourism, climate change, and judicial matters. Both nations also reiterated their shared goal of increasing trade volume to $10 billion.
The Iranian delegation’s visit to Pakistan is seen as a significant step toward solidifying ties, with both sides committed to realizing the mutual benefits from the agreements signed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also extended an invitation to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Iran, signaling a desire to continue strengthening diplomatic and economic relations.
