Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has underscored Pakistan’s eagerness to significantly boost bilateral trade with Iran, calling for stronger parliamentary and economic collaboration to fortify the deep-rooted ties between the two nations during a high-level meeting on Thursday.

The call for an enhanced partnership was made during discussions at Aiwan-e-Sadr with the visiting Speaker of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly, Dr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and his delegation. The official meeting was followed by a luncheon hosted in their honour.

Mr. Gilani emphasized that parliamentary engagement is a vital channel for advancing mutual understanding and fostering cooperation. He advocated for increased political dialogue, improved economic connectivity, and more extensive people-to-people exchanges to benefit both populations.

The Acting President specifically pinpointed the need for regular interaction between parliamentary committees and friendship groups. This, he noted, would deepen cooperation on critical issues such as border management, joint counter-narcotics efforts, and better facilitation for religious pilgrims.

Recalling a recent meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, Mr. Gilani also pushed for greater collaboration in education, culture, and youth engagement through academic and medical exchange programmes.

Dr. Ghalibaf reciprocated the sentiments, stating that Iran regards Pakistan as a “brotherly and trusted neighbour.” He conveyed Tehran’s appreciation for a resolution of solidarity passed by Pakistan’s Senate and confirmed his country was keen to expand both parliamentary and economic relations.

The Iranian Speaker also announced that a parliamentary delegation from Tehran would participate in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Pakistan, reinforcing the commitment to sustained high-level dialogue.