Pakistan and Iran reaffirm push for closer ties and regional peace

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral relations and regional peace following Islamabad-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington in Switzerland.

According to a statement issued by the President House, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties, regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and other matters of mutual interest. Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day on a one-day visit after the recent talks between Iran and the United States.

President Zardari welcomed Pezeshkian on what the President House described as his first state visit to Pakistan after the recent conflict, and said the trip reflected the enduring brotherly relationship between the two countries and their resolve to stand by each other in difficult times. He also congratulated the Iranian president on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that ongoing technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace in the region.

The Pakistani president reiterated Islamabad’s support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan had consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and had supported dialogue and diplomacy as the way to achieve durable and sustainable solutions to regional and global challenges. He also stressed Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal ties with Gulf countries.

President Zardari also conveyed condolences over what the statement described as the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei and said Pakistan would take part in his funeral. He further asked Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Iran appreciates Pakistan’s role

According to the President House statement, President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s constructive contribution to the Iran-US dialogue and thanked Islamabad for its positive efforts in support of peace and diplomacy. He also appreciated the backing extended by Pakistan during recent difficult circumstances.

The Iranian president said Tehran attached great importance to its relationship with Pakistan and was looking to expand cooperation in political, economic, security, and regional fields.

Pezeshkian was accompanied during the visit by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Chief of the President's Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of the President's Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi, and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam.

From the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr Asim Hussain attended the meeting.

Field Marshal Asim Munir also meets Pezeshkian

Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations said Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also called on President Pezeshkian, during which the two sides exchanged views on regional developments and peace initiatives.

According to the ISPR, the Iranian president appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s continued efforts to encourage peaceful settlement of disputes and to build understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.

The military’s media wing said Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region. Both sides also renewed their resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations and maintain close consultations on matters of mutual interest, with the stated aim of advancing peace, prosperity, and stability across the region.