PM Shehbaz, Iran’s President reiterate their commitment to deepen relations in many fields

TEHHRAN: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian during their meeting on Monday reiterated commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen and widen bilateral relationship in diverse fields.
The prime minister is visiting Iran on the invitation of President Pezeshkian. Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Interior, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
The Prime Minister was presented guard of honor on his arrival at the Presidency. He inspected the guard and then both the leaders head their respective delegations for bilateral talks.
The Prime Minister thanked Iran’s leadership for showing concern for Pakistan during recent conflict with India and its offer to mediate for peace in the region. He also briefed Iran’s leadership about Indian expansionist aims, which are a threat to regional peace and stability and underlined that Pakistan remains committed to upholding the ceasefire.
The Prime Minister while acknowledging the presence of deep historical, cultural, religious and civilizational ties between both neighbors committed to further deepen and widen relationship with Iran.
The Prime Minster underscored that terrorism posed an existential threat to the region and emphasized that both Iran and Pakistan, fully cognizant of designs of external actors, must deepen their cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue according to the aspirations of its people and relevant UNSC resolutions, was critical to bring peace and stability in the region.
President Pezeshkian welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation and assured the Pakistani leader to take steps for regional peace and stability. The two leaders reaffirmed that strengthening of peace and progress in Afghanistan was also vital for regional stability.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire to raise the volume of bilateral trade and further deepen the trade cooperation with Iran. The two sides committed to an early resolution of the Iran-Pakistan Pipeline project through mutual consultations.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel for its atrocities against the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for an end to the genocidal policies of Israel paving the way for two-state solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Masoud Pezeshkian to pay visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during wide ranging talks on Monday resolved to enhance cooperation to boost bilateral trade and investment and work together for maintaining peace and security in the region.
While talking to media at Sa’dabad Palace here after the delegation level talks, the Prime Minister said he had a productive and useful meeting with the Iranian President, covering all areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
“There was total agreement that the two brotherly neigbouring countries must enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and economy,” he added.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Iran had deep rooted cultural and historical relations. “We have decided to transform these relations into a very productive cooperation in various fields of life.”
He said, “I also took this opportunity to thank the President for calling me and showing his concern on the evolving situation in the sub-continent a few weeks ago.”
“I deeply appreciate your sense of concern and brotherly feelings for the people of Pakistan and your ardent desire that this crisis comes to a grinding halt instead of escalating further,” he told the President.
He said his government had the opportunity to have extensive discussions with the Iranian foreign minister who visited Pakistan some time back.
He said Pakistan came out of the crisis with India as victorious because of the brave actions of our outstanding armed forces strongly supported by the people of Pakistan.
“We wanted peace. We want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks on the table and resolve our outstanding issues including Kashmir problem according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions which were
acknowledged even by the Indian Lok Sabha when Nehru was the prime minister of India.”
“We are ready to talk for the sake of peace on different issues including water, trade and also counter terrorism if India is serious,” he informed.
Though he reaffirmed that if India remained aggressive then Pakistan shall defend its sovereignty and territory integrity.
“If they accept our offer we want to talk for the sake of peace,” he reiterated.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan condemned Israeli actions causing untold misery for the people of Gaza, where more than 50,000 Palestinians were murdered by Israel and the bloodbath still continued.
He said, “It is high time that the international community uses its influence to bring lasting ceasefire in Palestine. Pakistan stands by its brothers and sisters in Iran to promote peace, progress and prosperity.”- APP