PM Shehbaz, Iranian President Vow to Deepen Strategic Partnership

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during his visit to Pakistan, has stressed the need for unity, regional cooperation and the establishment of a new structure of common security among Muslim countries, saying that lasting peace and stability in the region is possible only through mutual respect and dialogue.

Addressing a joint press conference after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House and holding delegation-level talks, the Iranian President said that relations between Pakistan and Iran are entering a new phase. He said that both countries want to take advantage of the current positive environment and create new opportunities for cooperation.

President Pezeshkian said that open and sincere dialogue between regional countries is indispensable for peace, security and development in West Asia and the Gulf region. He announced that Iran is extending a hand of friendship to the countries of the region so that a new regional security structure can be established based on common interests.

Referring to the challenges faced by Muslim countries, the Iranian President said that the Muslim Ummah must take a united stand to protect and consolidate its common interests. He said that Pakistan and Iran are bound by historical, religious and cultural ties and the relations between the two countries can become a successful model for the entire Islamic world.

Reiterating the commitment to increase trade and economic ties between the two countries, he said that practical steps are underway to implement the agreements signed last year and technical obstacles are being removed.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the relations between Iran and Pakistan as brotherly and historic, saying that the two countries have always supported each other in difficult times. He said that recent regional developments have once again proven that the friendship and trust between Pakistan and Iran are very strong.

The Prime Minister, while welcoming the recent diplomatic progress between Iran and the United States, expressed hope that the talks would lead to lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He appreciated the wise strategy of the Iranian leadership and said that Pakistan has always played a sincere role in promoting peace and talks.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan shares the pain and suffering of the Iranian people and the relations between the two countries are not limited to just neighborliness but are based on religious, cultural and historical ties.

During the visit, the Iranian President also met Asif Ali Zardari, while he discussed regional security and peace initiatives with Asim Munir.

According to observers, President Peshkian’s visit to Pakistan can further expand political, economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, as well as give new impetus to joint efforts for peace and stability in the region.