Iranian Envoy Highlights Strategic Cooperation
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), organized a public talk under its Ambassador’s Platform titled “Pakistan–Iran Relations: An Enduring Partnership in a Changing Region” on February 24, 2026.
The event featured remarks by H.E. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan; Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI; and Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam underscored that Pakistan and Iran, as neighboring countries sharing a long common border, together represent a population of nearly 350 million people. He highlighted the strength of people-to-people ties, the strategic geographic location of both states, and their complementary and non-competitive economic structures as foundations for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Shared History Anchors Bilateral Relationship
He further noted that the two countries maintain closely aligned positions on a range of regional and international issues, including the question of Palestine. Addressing shared security concerns, he emphasized that terrorism and separatist movements remain serious challenges that require enhanced cooperation and coordination between Islamabad and Tehran.
The Ambassador pointed to the role of multilateral engagement in reinforcing bilateral collaboration, citing common membership in key platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8).
Multilateral Platforms Reinforce Mutual Engagement
Ambassador Reza observed that Iran–Pakistan relations are currently experiencing one of their most constructive phases in recent decades. He noted that over the past two years, more than 25 high-level delegations have been exchanged, alongside the signing of 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding across diverse sectors. Two presidential visits from Iran, in addition to visits by the Speaker of Parliament, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, foreign ministers, and other senior officials, reflect the depth and dynamism of engagement.
He also highlighted the broader economic potential of regional cooperation, stating that Pakistan and Iran together represent a market of nearly two billion people, which could further expand with the inclusion of Türkiye. Concluding his remarks, he emphasized that bilateral relations rest on a solid foundation of shared history, cultural affinity, and common strategic interests.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his remarks, described Pakistan and Iran as brotherly nations bound by culture, history, and religion. He noted that relations with Iran predate Pakistan’s independence and recalled that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan. He also referenced Iran’s support for Pakistan during the 1965 and 1971 wars as evidence of close ties.
While acknowledging that certain difficult phases have strained the relationship at times, Ambassador Mahmood stated that both countries are closer than ever before, despite ongoing challenges such as terrorism and sectarianism. He reaffirmed that in a changing regional environment marked by emerging hostilities, Pakistan and Iran remain committed to working together toward peaceful solutions.
Read Also; Natalie A.Baker Tours Sukkur Manufacturing Plant
Dr. Amina Khan emphasized that Pakistan–Iran relations are grounded in historical ties, geographic proximity, and intertwined security and economic interests. She highlighted sustained high-level engagement, close coordination on regional and international developments, and adherence to the principle of sovereign equality as hallmarks of the relationship.
She noted significant alignment on key issues, particularly Afghanistan, the situation in Gaza, and the broader objective of preserving regional peace and stability. Referring to last year’s 12-day Israeli military actions against Iran, she recalled that Pakistan had strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as reckless provocations and a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter.
The talk was attended by diplomats, academics, students, practitioners, and members of civil society, and concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session.
