President Asif Ali Zardari held Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian on Sunday in Islamabad’s presidency, holding a meeting during the latter two-day visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan and Iran share close ties and have signed multiple agreements between sectors such as energy and trade.
The two sides “reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation in diverse fields” and “emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in wide and mutually beneficial areas,” according to the statement.
President Zardari was quoted as saying that Pakistan and Iran enjoy the brotherhood rooted in shared religion, culture and mutual respect.
“The two leaders exchanged opinions on key regional and international developments, highlighting the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict escalation and promote peace, security and stability in the region,” the statement added.
The president acknowledged Iran’s position on regional issues and recognized his consistent support for regional cooperation in the Islamic Republic.
He expressed his gratitude for Iran’s solidarity in a critical moment, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to working closely with Tehran for a peaceful and prosperous future.
President Zardari also thanked the Iranian leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for his consistent support for the Muslim people.
“President Zardari strongly condemned the unprovoked Israeli attacks on Iran and praised the courage and unity of the Iranian state during the recent 12-day war,” the statement added. “He hoped that Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit would further solidify the brotherhood between the two countries.
“President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistani leaders and people for their support during the 12-day war and thanked Pakistan for his constructive role in advocating escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the statement concluded.
Previously, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif said Pakistan-Iran leaders are eager to raise bilateral trade between the two countries to $10 billion at the earliest, according to a joint statement.
According to Dawn, the announcement came when Prime Minister Shehbaz and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were working on a joint press conference when 12 countries signed 12 agreements and memorandum of understanding (Mous).
“The two countries have signed many documents to convert them into contracts and realize the potential of the $10 billion trade target, adding that each delegation from both parties will hold a more detailed meeting to move forward in this regard.”
At the bilateral meeting held before the joint press conference, both sides discussed broad aspects of their bilateral relations, brotherhood and religious and cultural connections and held comprehensive consultations to further enhance them.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the way Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites on June 13th. According to the Iranian government, 610 people were killed during the war, bringing the number of rights groups to 974.
“Israel unleashed an attack on Iran without rhymes or reason. Iran was strongly condemned not only by the Pakistani government but also by the 240 million Pakistani people.
According to the report, the Prime Minister also expressed his sadness to the Iranian generals, scientists and civilian martians during the conflict, praying for the early recovery of the souls and wounded who had departed.
He also praised Iranian leaders for showing courage and wisdom during the Israeli invasion, saying Iranian forces and people faced attacks and exposed Israel’s defense systems with volleys of retaliatory missile attacks.
Prime Minister Shebaz said Pakistan will reiterate Pakistan’s principled stance on Iran’s rights to a nuclear program for peaceful purposes under the UN Charter, and that Pakistan will support that stance.
In the fight against terrorism, he said he shared the view that both sides are unacceptable at any cost. “If someone in Iran was affected by terrorism, it was similar to the victims of Pakistan’s terrorism,” he said.
The Prime Minister further said the two brothers will take effective measures to eliminate terrorism.
The Prime Minister welcomed the President on his first visit to Pakistan on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan.
In his remarks, President Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude for the position he was adopted by the people of Parliament, the government and Pakistanis for supporting Iran during the 10-day Israeli invasion.
He said that the bond of affinity and affection between the two countries and the nations was deeply rooted in religion, culture and history, and emphasized the unity of Muslim nations.
“As Pakistan is not only our neighbours but also our brothers, moving forward with neighbours is one of Iran’s foreign policy priorities,” he added.
Fortunately, the President has expressed his satisfaction that serious and sincere efforts have been launched by both sides for cooperation in diverse fields, with the goal of $3 billion in current trade volume of $10 billion.
President Pezeschkian said his government has decided to take steps to implement these agreements, but that the development of land, sea and air routes will encourage trade.
MNA