ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed situation in Middle East. This first official trip to Pakistan since taking office as his country’s top diplomat.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s House, where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Araghchi and extended his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Massoud Pezeshkian.
During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and enhancing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. Both sides highlighted the need to further strengthen bilateral ties, especially in light of the growing geopolitical challenges in the region.
The discussion also focused on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Sharif expressing Pakistan’s strong support for the Palestinian cause. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Sharif condemned Israel’s recent actions in Gaza, calling them a “genocidal campaign” against the Palestinian population.
He urged the international community to take urgent action to end the violence, demanding an immediate ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the recognition of Palestinians’ right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the positions held by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In addition to the Palestinian issue, the leaders discussed the broader security dynamics of the Middle East. Prime Minister Sharif condemned Israel’s attack on Iran on October 26, 2024, which targeted Iranian interests, and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan would continue to stand by Iran in the face of any external aggression.
Foreign Minister Araghchi, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s principled position on regional issues and particularly appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for Iran.
He provided an overview of Iran’s perspective on the current situation in the Middle East, offering insights into Tehran’s stance on the ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza and broader regional security concerns.
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The meeting underscored the growing importance of Pakistan-Iran cooperation on regional peace and stability, with both sides agreeing to further enhance diplomatic and economic ties in the coming months.
As the two nations continue to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the discussions between Prime Minister Sharif and Foreign Minister Araghchi reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship, built on shared history and common strategic interests.
This visit marks a key moment in the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran, reinforcing their mutual commitment to regional peace and the shared goal of resolving the ongoing crises in the Middle East through dialogue, cooperation, and adherence to international law.
