The US refrains from commenting on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.

The opening of a cross-border market marked a significant development in Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring Iran, although the United States chose not to remark on the bilateral relationships between the two nations.

In an effort to increase bilateral commerce, Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on Thursday after jointly opening the Mand-Pishin border food market.

“We know about this meeting. In answer to a query from Geo News on the evolution of Pakistani-Iranian ties, a US State Department official said, “We do not have any comment to provide on the engagement.”

The US’ bilateral relationship with Pakistan and the “cornerstone” of the Green Alliance, according to Washington, continues to be focused on securing Pakistan’s economic development, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

With $250 million in direct foreign investments during the most recent fiscal year, 2021–2022, the US has led the way in investing in Pakistan for the previous 20 years, according to the spokeswoman.

According to the State Department, US companies’ investments were assisting Pakistan in increasing its access to a cleaner, more reliable energy source.

The representative continued by saying that General Electric (GE), a US-based global conglomerate corporation, is extensively utilised in Pakistan for its wind turbines, control systems, and equipment.

According to the spokesman, using these tools would improve Pakistan’s potential for renewable energy.

The official said that American technology was being put at Mangla Power Station for the first time. He also said that eight 135 MW power units were being supplied by GE Hydro France.

The spokesman said that the US was also working on the rehabilitation and building of the Mangla and Tarbela dams and that the same technology might be utilised for other bigger dams now under development.

Iranian President inaugurates Mand-Pishin border market with PM Shehbaz
The establishment of the Mand-Pishin border food market is anticipated to provide a dynamic platform for boosting cross-border commerce, promoting economic development, and creating new business opportunities for regional enterprises.

Notably, this is one of the six border markets that have been built along the Pakistan-Iran border.

PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian president met after the inauguration to go over bilateral relations and collaboration.

The prime minister announced to a group of local elders that the two sides had made a decision to advance in commerce, investment, information technology, agriculture, and other sectors after the “very productive and positive” meeting.

The two leaders also determined to take advantage of the opportunity for electricity transmission cooperation.

He informed the group that the Iranian president had agreed to go ahead with expanding collaboration in the solar energy industry after hearing his offer.

The prime minister said that he made recommendations for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the meeting and that both parties will take action to carry out the decisions made there.

The two dignitaries also opened a 100MW electrical transmission line that runs from Iran to Gwadar.

The project, according to the prime minister, had a history of significant delays, but the current administration made sure it was finished in a record amount of time. He claimed that Iranian President Raisi showed a lot of interest in the proposal.

He noted that the issue around the electricity pricing had also been peacefully resolved with the Iranian authorities.

The prime minister said, “This is a beautiful day for Pakistani-Iranian relations and would prove to be a milestone for the growth of the two nations.