Islamabad (TDI): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for closer unity among Muslim countries and proposed a new regional security framework based on cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect, saying the region’s future should be shaped by its own nations rather than external powers.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after delegation-level talks in Islamabad, the Iranian president said Muslim countries should form a united front to safeguard regional peace, stability and prosperity.
“We extend our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure for the countries of the region,” Pezeshkian said during his visit to Pakistan.
The Iranian leader described his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir as productive and constructive, covering bilateral ties, regional developments and international issues.
He said Iran and Pakistan were determined to use the current positive atmosphere to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
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Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and appreciated Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington. He said Iran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s peace initiative reflected the deep trust that existed between the two neighbouring countries.
The Iranian president noted that Pakistan and Iran shared not only borders but also deep historical, cultural and religious bonds. “Pakistan is not merely a neighbouring country for us; it is a brotherly and friendly nation,” he said.
Referring to recent diplomatic efforts involving regional countries, Pezeshkian welcomed the role played by Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt in supporting peace and stability in the region.
He stressed that stronger cooperation among Muslim nations was essential to address common challenges and build a more stable regional order.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, described the talks with the Iranian president as highly productive and said the two countries remained committed to strengthening their longstanding partnership.
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He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran and highlighted the close bonds between the two nations, saying, “Iran’s success is our success, and Iran’s loss is our loss.”
The visit came days after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States and the launch of follow-up talks in Switzerland aimed at advancing a broader peace process in the region.
