ASHGABAT, Dec 12 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a bilateral meeting with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the International Year of Peace and Trust forum, reaffirming the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
According to a Prime Minister’s Office news release, the meeting was marked by warmth and cordiality, with both leaders appreciating the strong mutual support extended by their countries to each other when they faced external aggression earlier this year.
The leaders underscored that such solidarity reflected the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbouring nations.
While recalling the successful convening of the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of sustained and coordinated efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He highlighted the need to enhance the volume of bilateral trade, operationalise border markets, strengthen border security mechanisms and revitalise transport and connectivity links, particularly through the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul rail corridor.
The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of urging the Afghan Taliban regime to take concrete and meaningful measures to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns, particularly terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
The situation in Gaza and ongoing peace efforts were also discussed during the meeting. Both leaders shared perspectives on the humanitarian and political dimensions of the crisis and reiterated their support for peace and stability in the region.
President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for what he described as a timely and productive exchange of views, and expressed Iran’s desire to further deepen bilateral relations with Pakistan across political, economic and security domains.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong foundations of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture and faith. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and consultations to further consolidate bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his warm regards and good wishes for the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
