Following Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s three-day visit to Pakistan that concluded yesterday, the focus remains on the discussions and potential outcomes. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Key Takeaways from the Visit:
- Boosting Trade: Both sides pledged to increase trade from the current $2 billion annually to $10 billion within the next five years.
- Energy Cooperation: Discussions centered on cooperation in the energy sector, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines, and the long-stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
- Security Concerns: The leaders also discussed ways to enhance security cooperation to combat terrorism along their shared border.
US Warns of Sanctions Risk:
However, the visit has drawn attention from the United States. The US Department of State cautioned Pakistan about potential sanctions risks associated with deepened economic ties with Iran, which remains under US sanctions.
Uncertain Future:
While Pakistan seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and address its energy needs, navigating the complex geopolitical landscape with Iran and the US will be a key challenge.
What to Watch Next:
The success of the proposed economic and energy cooperation initiatives between Pakistan and Iran will depend on navigating the potential hurdles, including US sanctions and the viability of large-scale projects like the gas pipeline.
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