Shehbaz, Pezeshkian discuss regional peace, Islamabad MoU on sidelines of SCO summit

BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday discussed regional developments, bilateral ties and efforts to advance the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and stressed the importance of implementing decisions reached during Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June.

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and de-escalation, with Pakistan continuing its role in facilitating dialogue on the Islamabad MoU between Iran and the United States.

Sharif said Pakistan would continue making sincere efforts to promote peace in the region and highlighted the recent visit of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran, saying his “constructive engagements” were expected to produce positive results.

Pakistan and Iran have stepped up diplomatic contacts in recent weeks as Islamabad seeks to support efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the region. During Munir’s Tehran visit, discussions focused on de-escalation and possible avenues for a negotiated settlement.

The prime minister stressed the importance of restraint, tolerance and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.

He also underlined the need to advance understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU, describing continued dialogue as the “only viable way” to achieve durable peace in the region.

The Islamabad MoU was signed in June as part of a diplomatic effort involving Pakistan, Iran and the United States. Pakistan has since continued to facilitate discussions aimed at implementing the understandings reached under the framework.

Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts for regional peace and security.

The Iranian president also underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran ties, saying the relationship was rooted in centuries of shared history, culture and religion.

He expressed Tehran’s desire to further expand cooperation with Pakistan across various fields and stressed the importance of unity and solidarity among Muslim countries in addressing contemporary challenges.

The two leaders also reviewed efforts to increase regional connectivity and people-to-people contacts, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif invited Pezeshkian to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.

The Iranian president, in turn, invited Sharif to attend the next Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit scheduled to be held in Tehran in December 2026.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials were also present.

Sharif arrived in Bishkek on Monday for a three-day visit to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting and SCO Plus Summit, where Pakistan is also set to assume the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship for the coming year.