Islamabad (TDI): In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in a wide array of sectors during a meeting between Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Sunday.
Welcoming his Iranian counterpart at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari described the Pakistan-Iran relationship as one rooted in shared faith, history, culture, and mutual respect. The two leaders held detailed discussions on evolving regional and global developments, emphasizing the importance of collaborative diplomacy to de-escalate conflicts and ensure regional peace and security.
President Zardari lauded Iran’s consistent stance on key regional matters and acknowledged its support for greater regional unity. He also extended heartfelt thanks to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei for his steadfast backing of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
During the conversation, President Zardari strongly denounced Israel’s recent unprovoked aggression against Iran. He praised the resilience and courage displayed by the Iranian people during the 12-day conflict and expressed confidence that Dr. Pezeshkian’s visit would open new avenues for closer ties between the two nations.
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President Pezeshkian, in response, thanked Pakistan’s leadership and its people for standing with Iran during the recent war. He commended Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.
PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Support for Iran
Earlier in the day, President Pezeshkian held a separate meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. Upon arrival, he was welcomed with a guard of honour during an official reception ceremony.
Talks were held in two formats, first privately, then at the delegation level, where both sides exchanged views on bilateral matters as well as regional and international challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was joined by senior leaders including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other cabinet members and officials.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, PM Shehbaz expressed deep condolences over the loss of Iranian soldiers, scientists, and civilians in the recent conflict with Israel. He also extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
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The prime minister thanked Iran for its unwavering diplomatic support during past Pakistan-India tensions and emphasized the need to boost cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, cultural exchange, and people-to-people linkages.
In a key development, he also called for the swift convening of the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, which is expected to take place in the near future.
President Pezeshkian expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s support, noting that the Iranian people would always remember this gesture of solidarity.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
