ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan vowed on Sunday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, various other sectors and work for regional peace, the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan and Iran have attempted to enhance bilateral trade and commerce in recent years. The two neighbors have set up border markets and discussed barter trade to get around banking and currency restrictions.
Sanctions and foreign exchange shortages remain key hurdles for Iran, making barter systems and cross-border markets central to its trade strategy with Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, spoke to Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi over the phone on Sunday during which the two discussed regional developments.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties, and reiterated their resolve to work closely together for regional peace and development,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement.
