Context
Iranian President Mehmoud Ahmadinejad and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met on Monday to discuss greater cooperation between the two countries. In a meeting held at the Iranian President’s House, issues of trade as well as regional security and intelligence sharing were discussed. The two leaders agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion. Currently trade volume between the two countries is $1.2 billion, with Pakistan’s exports around $200 million. In addition, both leaders agreed to expedite the gas pipeline project as well as the import of 10,000 megawatts to Pakistan.
The two heads of state also discussed issues of regional security. The Iranian PM stressed on the importance of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan working closely together to solve problems of security and development.
