- Web Desk
- 3 Hours ago
Pezeshkian praises Pakistan’s mediation push, seeks lasting regional peace
-
- Web Desk
- 2 Hours ago
ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and supporting efforts for regional peace, following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Addressing a joint press appearance during his visit to Pakistan, President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz for what he described as a warm welcome and said relations between Islamabad and Tehran were rooted in close trust, mutual respect and shared interests.
“Pakistan is not only our neighbour; it is our brother and dear friend,” he said, adding that the two countries were partners in a common future and destination.
Pezeshkian said his meetings with the president, prime minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had focused on bilateral ties and the regional situation. He said recent developments had given the relationship between the two countries a new dimension and stressed that peace, security and sustainable development in the region required stronger regional connectivity and constructive dialogue.
The Iranian president also acknowledged the role of Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in advancing the peace process, saying the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had been made possible through Pakistan’s facilitation.
PM Shehbaz welcomed Pezeshkian’s visit and said Pakistan would continue to play its role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region. He thanked Iran for placing its trust in Pakistan’s mediation efforts and credited Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for their roles in the process.
He said the technical-level talks held in Bürgenstock were also significant in moving the process forward. However, he stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding did not include any discussion on Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
“This is neither on the agenda nor has it been discussed,” the prime minister said, adding that there should be no double standards on the issue.
Both leaders said they remained committed to working towards a durable agreement, while cautioning that elements opposed to peace could seek to undermine the process.
Degree conferred
PM Sharif also conferred an honorary fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan in cardiac surgery on Iranian President Dr Pezeshkian at a ceremony held in the capital.
Meeting begins
Earlier PM Sharif and President Pezeshkian began a crucial bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister’s House on to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and trade ties.
The high-level meeting is being attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, the two leaders will head extensive delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Iran to formalise bilateral agreements and strengthen regional frameworks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had arrived at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Sharif to begin the formal leg of his high-profile state visit to Pakistan.
The two leaders exchanged warm pleasantries before President Pezeshkian was presented with a formal guard of honour by a contingent of the armed forces. The national anthems of both Iran and Pakistan were played during the ceremony.
President Pezeshkian, who is accompanied by a high-level political and economic delegation including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sharif. This will be followed by restricted delegation-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and regional security frameworks.
Following his engagements at the PM House, President Pezeshkian proceeded to the President’s House, where he was formally welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari for further high-level exchanges.
Aside from official diplomatic talks, the Iranian president will be conferred with an honorary fellowship by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) during his stay.
President Pezeshkian had landed at the Nur Khan Airbase to a notable state welcome complete with military honours, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. He was accorded a grand 21-gun salute and an aerial escort by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets.
He was received at the tarmac by President Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and senior political and military leadership.
This marks Pezeshkian’s second official visit to Pakistan since taking office, and first to any country since the US-Israel attacks on February 28.
You May Also Like
