Call for Expansion of Border Trade, Energy Cooperation With Pakistan

President Ebrahim Raisi underlined Iran’s strategy of making the frontier with Pakistan a “safe” and “economically active” border, calling for increased mutual efforts to achieve this goal.
In a meeting with Pakistan’s chief of army in Tehran on Sunday, Raisi also said, “Expansion of border markets and cooperation in the energy sector are among the ways to realize this strategy,” President.ir reported.
Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Asim Munir praised Iran’s policy of boosting neighborly relations, especially with Pakistan, describing such a strategy as beneficial for the Muslim world.
He also pointed to the long border between the two countries and the high potential for border trade, and said promotion of economic interactions at the frontier will help enhance the security situation in border areas. 
In a separate meeting with Pakistan’s army chief on Saturday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri highlighted the importance of regional security and the transformation of shared borders into “economic borders”.
He expressed hope that the visit will yield fruitful results for both countries and pave the way for effective decisions.
The top general also emphasized the significance of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan in the region.
Congratulating Munir on his appointment, Baqeri expressed hope for enhancement of the Iran-Pakistan relationship, building upon the positive progress achieved in the past.
Highlighting the positive background of General Munir in the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Iranian top general expressed confidence in the significant improvement of interactions between the two nations during his tenure, driven by the spirit of brotherhood shared between Iran and Pakistan.
Baqeri emphasized the importance of Iran and Pakistan in the Islamic world and the West Asia region, characterized by longstanding friendly relations and numerous religious, cultural and social commonalities that can contribute to strengthening their bilateral ties.
Referring to common threats faced by both countries, he emphasized that closer proximity and convergence between Iran and Pakistan will have significant effects on the security of the region and the Islamic world.
Baqeri also pointed to the declining power of the United States and the Western world, noting the shifting global power axis toward Asia and the East.
The top Iranian general criticized the actions of global arrogance as signs of weakness and desperation, contrary to achieving a better future for the world.
Baqeri described the occupation of Afghanistan by the United States and their irresponsible withdrawal as a significant issue impacting the security of both Iran and Pakistan.
He stressed the need for sustainable security in the border regions of both countries and the establishment of mechanisms for cooperation in this regard.