TEHRAN – Iran and Pakistan can help ensure security and peace in the region through close cooperation and strengthened ties, stated a Member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee on Wednesday.

"President Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Pakistan can pave the way for enhancing the border security of both countries, which will have a significant impact on regional stability and will be influential in international security," Mahmoud Abbaszadeh Meshkini told Iranian Media

Iran’s president arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday as the head of a high-ranking delegation. During his meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Raisi emphasized Tehran’s policy of good neighborliness, hoping for deeper and more cordial ties with Islamabad. The Iranian leader also held talks with Pakistani military leaders and the speaker of the National Assembly, before heading to the country’s cultural hub Lahore to sit down with academics.

Iran and Pakistan have historically been on good terms. Tehran was the first in the world to Acknowledge Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Close cultural affinities have caused people of both countries to remain close throughout the rule of different administrations. 

"Tehran-Islamabad have good economic potentials, and both sides can benefit from each other's economic potentials at minimal cost,” the MP added.

Abbaszadeh Meshkini considered the cultural interests and commonalities between Iran and Pakistan significant and emphasized: "Cultural interests can provide a basis for expanding economic relations and cooperation to ensure security."

He pointed out: "In addition to being a destination for selling Iranian goods, Pakistan, with a population of 140 million, is also a good destination for exporting services."

Iran and Pakistan seemed to experience a short period of testiness of ties early this year, after the two countries launched reciprocal attacks on each other’s territories to target terrorist and separatist bases. The two sides resolved misunderstandings swiftly, and agreed that they would deepen security cooperation to prevent any future tensions.