ISLAMABAD, Jun 24 (Alliance News): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Islamabad and promoting regional peace.
President Pezeshkian made these remarks during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House during his day-long official visit to Pakistan.
The visit came after Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating Iran-US engagement, with the first round of high-level talks held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, resulting in a 60-day roadmap towards a possible final agreement.
The Iranian president’s visit marked his first foreign trip since the recent escalation involving Iran and also reflected the importance Tehran attaches to its relations with Pakistan.
President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on a special aircraft operated by Mirage Airlines, identified as Minab 168. The aircraft’s name was described as a tribute to the 168 children who were killed in an attack on a school in Iran’s Minab city.
He received a warm welcome at the Prime Minister House, where he was accorded a red carpet reception and guard of honour. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other senior officials welcomed the Iranian leader, while Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accompanied him.
This was President Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan since assuming office as President of Iran.
During his meeting with President Zardari, both leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional peace and security, economic cooperation, connectivity, and matters of mutual interest.
President Zardari welcomed President Pezeshkian and described his visit as a reflection of the historic brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
He said the two countries have always stood together during difficult times and expressed the hope that the ongoing diplomatic initiatives would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
The Pakistani president congratulated President Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed optimism that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would lead to a sustainable peace agreement.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, and stability. He said Pakistan has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to resolve regional and international challenges.
He emphasized that Islamabad believes in constructive engagement and has opposed unilateral approaches that could increase tensions.
President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining unity among Muslim countries while continuing strong relations with Gulf states and other regional partners.
During the meeting, President Zardari expressed condolences over the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and said Pakistan would participate in the funeral ceremonies.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its support and appreciated Islamabad’s efforts in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability.
He said Iran considers its relations with Pakistan highly important and expressed Tehran’s desire to expand cooperation in political, economic, security, and regional fields.
The Iranian president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs Saeed Abbas Mousavi, and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam.
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr Asim Hussain.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also called on President Pezeshkian.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), discussions between the two leaders focused on regional developments, peace initiatives, and security cooperation.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s responsible and constructive role in encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions in the region.
He acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts to promote peaceful solutions at a time of increasing geopolitical challenges.
Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
Both sides agreed to maintain close consultations on issues of common interest and work together to advance peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.
