Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, has said that Pakistan and Iran occupy a pivotal position in the evolving regional geo-economic landscape, serving as crucial links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Addressing a high-profile forum titled “Pakistan-Iran Connectivity: For Two Countries and Two Continents,” organized by the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) in collaboration with “Pakistan in the World” media group, the envoy underscored that the two neighboring nations are emerging as essential partners in economic and connectivity-driven integration.
Dr. Moghaddam explained that the global economic paradigm is shifting from traditional geopolitics to geo-economics, where the ability to establish connectivity corridors determines strategic influence. He said that Iran and Pakistan hold unique positions to connect continents and facilitate trade flows across South Asia, Central Asia, and the broader Eurasian region. “Our security boundaries are now trade borders,” he stated, highlighting that both countries’ border regions are evolving into economic gateways driving regional cooperation.
The Iranian envoy emphasized that economic development and trade promotion are integral to national security. He reiterated that Chahbahar Port should not be viewed as a rival to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, but as a complementary hub within the broader regional logistics network. “Portraying Chahbahar as a rival to Gwadar is a misconception fueled by those who misunderstand the fundamentals of geopolitics and mega-economics,” he remarked.
Dr. Moghaddam noted that Iran connects Pakistan to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Europe through multiple corridors, including the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) rail network. He said that by enhancing these transport and trade corridors, both nations can achieve deeper integration into the global economy. The ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s support for Pakistan’s potential inclusion in BRICS and other emerging multilateral economic platforms.
Outlining key trade opportunities, he said Pakistan can export essential commodities such as meat, rice, corn, and livestock to Iran, while Iran can provide petroleum products, construction materials, and other industrial goods. He added that nearly 60 percent of the two countries’ trade needs could be met bilaterally, reducing reliance on distant markets.
The ambassador identified three major challenges hindering cooperation: terrorism in border areas, limited banking channels, and bureaucratic red tape. However, he expressed optimism that progress was being made to address these hurdles, citing increased customs cooperation and the opening of five border markets. “Financial matters are slow, but small traders are active. We are encouraging larger companies to enter this space,” he said.
He revealed that bilateral trade has already increased from $2 billion to $3.1 billion in the past two years, with annual growth of around $500–600 million. Iran is confident that with continued collaboration, the trade volume could reach $10 billion in the near future. The Iranian Ministry of Commerce, he said, is working toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to formalize economic cooperation.
Dr. Moghaddam also discussed progress on enhancing multi-modal connectivity—land, air, and sea. He highlighted the resumption of Islamabad–Tehran flights after two decades and the planned expansion to Lahore, Quetta, and Zahedan. Maritime links between Bandar Abbas and Karachi, and the complementary roles of Chahbahar and Gwadar, are also being strengthened.
On the strategic front, the ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic support for Iran on global platforms, including its stance during recent regional tensions. He praised Pakistan’s solidarity at the United Nations and domestic institutions’ expressions of support during the 12-day conflict involving Iran.
Reflecting on defence ties, Dr. Moghaddam noted that cooperation between the armed forces of both nations has reached unprecedented levels, citing high-level exchanges between military leaders, including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran. He termed these engagements a sign of growing mutual trust and regional coordination.
The event also featured remarks by COPAIR Chairperson Amna Munawwar Awan, who discussed the deep historical, cultural, and educational ties between the two countries, and highlighted new areas of cooperation in science and technology. Participants agreed that the Iran–Pakistan partnership, grounded in shared geography and mutual interests, has the potential to redefine regional economic integration in the years ahead.
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