Iran-Pakistan ties tighten in economic commission

Iran and Pakistan signed a series of cooperation agreements this week. 

The two countries held a joint economic commission in Tehran Thursday. During the event, they signed a series of memorandums of understanding to expand cooperation in the trade, energy, transportation, culture, tourism and media sectors, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. 

One of the agreements was between the Islamic Republic News Agency itself and the Associated Press of Pakistan. The two news outlets agreed to provide each other with photos and videos, among other terms. 

The Iran-Pakistan joint economic commission has met more than 20 times in the past, but this week’s meeting was the first since 2016, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. 

The Pakistani news outlet Business Recorder also reported Friday that Iran is considering an agreement to export 5,000 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan. 

Why it matters: Iran and Pakistan have been working to improve relations since the Taliban defeated the US military in their shared neighbor Afghanistan last year. Much of the cooperation has focused on security, particularly with regard to their shared border. 

The cooperation with Pakistan also comes as Iran is seeking increased trade with its neighbors.

Know more: Pakistan has important relations with a few Middle Eastern states, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.