Zardari made the remarks on Tuesday in Islamabad during a meeting with visiting Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani.
Prime Minister Zardari pointed to his recent meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad and said the exchange of visits between the two neighboring countries is evidence of an upward trend in bilateral relations.
Zardari thanked Iranian authorities for expressing solidarity with Pakistan in the wake of recent flooding in the country, including the dispatch of humanitarian aid by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
He further said that cooperation between neighboring countries is essential and in the common interests of both countries, adding that Iran and Pakistan enjoy long-standing relations rooted in common history, faith and culture.
The President of Pakistan also expressed his gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its continued support to the diplomatic process during the recent Pakistan-India war. In return, it reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support for Iran following the Israeli regime’s invasion of Iran in June.
He also expressed gratitude for Iran’s principled stance on Kashmir and Palestine, and welcomed progress in negotiations on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, saying it is essential for regional energy security and economic stability.
A reading of the meeting released by Pakistan’s presidential office said that President Zardari asked Larijini to convey his warm greetings to Islamic revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Mr. Larijani conveyed the greetings of the leader of the Islamic Revolution and President Pezeshikian to President Zardari. He also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support during the 12 Days of Sacred Defense imposed by the Zionist regime in June.
Iranian security officials further praised the “courage and success” of Pakistan’s military in recent events, stressing that “Pakistan’s victory is Iran’s victory.”
He added that after the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, several new directives were issued granting preferential access for Pakistani products to the Iranian market. It added that this could be a step that could help pave the way towards the common goal of achieving $10 billion in bilateral trade.
The two sides also discussed issues related to regional and international affairs, security cooperation and the fight against terrorism.
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