Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that the common interests of Iran and Pakistan are more closely intertwined than ever, underscoring the need for greater mutual cooperation.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In his message, the Iranian president considered this occasion a valuable opportunity to commemorate the achievements of Pakistan’s great nation, and a new turning point in efforts to deepen and expand longstanding and strategic relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

"The common interests and fates of the two nations of Iran and Pakistan are more intertwined than ever before, and this reality doubles the necessity of closer synergy and cooperation,” Pezeshkian stated.

“Undoubtedly, the deep historical, cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people ties between the two nations are a valuable asset for charting brighter prospects in bilateral relations,” he added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also congratulated Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the 79th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, extending his warm congratulations to the Pakistani government and people.

In his message to Ishaq Dar, Araghchi described the occasion as a valuable opportunity to recall the strong historical, cultural, civilizational and people-to-people ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, calling them valuable foundations for strengthening friendship and deepening cooperation between the two nations.

“I believe that the continuation of political and diplomatic consultations and the strengthening of economic, trade, border, security and cultural cooperation can pave the way for greater use of the existing capacities and the realization of the shared interests of the two countries,” Araghchi said.

The Iranian foreign minister wished Ishaq Dar health and success, and the Pakistani government and people dignity, development and growing prosperity, while expressing hope for the continued durability, strength and further flourishing of friendly relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Pezeshkian expressed the Islamic Republic’s determination to further strengthen comprehensive bilateral ties with Pakistan, stressing Tehran’s readiness take more effective steps in this regard, building on mutual trust and respect and on shared interests, by making use of the extensive existing capacities.

The president wished progress and prosperity for Pakistan and hoped that the longstanding, brotherly relations between the two countries will be strengthened.

Pakistan emerged as an independent state on August 14, 1947, following the end of British colonial rule and the partition of the Indian subcontinent.

In recent weeks, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps to expand economic cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion and advance efforts toward a free trade agreement.

The agreement was signed in Islamabad during the 10th Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee meeting by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak and Pakistani Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

The memorandum focuses on expanding trade in border regions, developing maritime and shipping links, removing trade barriers, establishing joint free trade zones and promoting barter trade.

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