Iran and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in security and counter-terrorism, according to a joint statement issued following talks between the foreign ministers of the two nations in Islamabad.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored the importance of close coordination to address shared security threats, particularly from terrorist groups operating along their shared border.
Under the agreement, the two sides will establish a new security cooperation mechanism, including intelligence sharing, coordinated border patrols, and joint military exercises. These measures aim to curb terrorist activities, smuggling, and transnational crime along the more than 900 km border between the two countries.
Pakistan's foreign minister noted that cooperation would also expand into economic and trade sectors, with a target to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next three years, up from the current level of around $2 billion.
The decision comes amid complex developments in the Middle East and South Asia, including rising conflicts and terrorism, especially in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Both Iran and Pakistan are neighbors of Afghanistan and have a direct stake in the country's stability.
Analysts see the new agreement as a significant step in bilateral relations, which have previously experienced tensions over border issues and mutual allegations of supporting terrorism. Most recently, in 2019, Iran and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to boosting security cooperation, but progress remained limited.
The two ministers vowed to hold regular consultations to monitor the implementation of the agreement and expand cooperation into new areas, serving the common interests of their peoples and promoting peace and stability in the region.
