Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian at the historic Saadabad Palace in Tehran on Monday, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace and stability.
The high-level meeting was part of Prime Minister Sharif’s official visit to Iran, accompanied by a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
During the talks, the two leaders held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, counter-terrorism, and water-related challenges. The PM described Iran as a “brotherly country” and "our second home," thanking the Iranian leadership for their warm welcome and hospitality.
“I am grateful to the Iranian government and authorities for the wonderful welcome. Pakistan and Iran have shared historic and cultural ties. Today, we are taking steps to further enhance them,” Prime Minister Sharif said following the meeting in a joint press conference with the Iranian president.
He further said the two sides had discussed bilateral issues and the promotion of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and commerce. He acknowledged the Iranian president's constructive role during recent tensions between Pakistan and India, saying, “Iran helped de-escalate the situation and supported regional stability. Iran and other friendly countries succeeded in establishing a ceasefire."
"Pakistan has sailed through a difficult situation by the grace of God," he stressed. "A few days ago, the neighbouring country was offered an impartial investigation for peace."
According to an official statement issued after the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz also briefed the Iranian leadership on India's expansionist agenda. He warned that New Delhi’s actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire with India, emphasizing that peace is vital for regional progress.
Reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace, Sharif emphasized that all regional issues, including Kashmir, must be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. He also offered to cooperate on water issues with neighbouring countries and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means.
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“We want peace, dialogue, and progress in South Asia. Aggression will be met with a befitting response, but our first choice is always diplomacy,” he stressed. He also emphasized that terrorism remains a common threat to regional security and noted that both countries are fully aware of the designs of hostile external elements, the official statement added.
The premier expressed a strong desire to increase bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including a mutual commitment to expedite discussions to resolve issues related to the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
The PM also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that over 50,000 people have been martyred and calling the silence of the international community “a question mark on global conscience”. He called for an immediate end to the ongoing genocide and Israel’s destructive policies in the occupied territories.
He further said that Pakistan fully supported Iran’s right to obtain a civilian nuclear programme, adding that Pakistan would work with Iran on all issues of mutual concern.
On the Iranian side, President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan as a vital neighbour and a key regional partner. He said both countries held common views on regional peace and security and wanted to promote peace, development, and cooperation.
"The two countries have the same position on the OIC platform," he added.
“Pakistan and Iran share a vision for regional stability, cooperation, and economic growth. Both countries must jointly work with other neighbours to promote peace and resolve long-standing disputes,” the Iranian president stated. Both sides agreed that lasting peace and development in Afghanistan are crucial for broader regional security.
He urged Pakistan and India to engage in dialogue for lasting peace and development, and welcomed recent ceasefire efforts between the two sides.
The meeting concluded with both leaders agreeing to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including economy, trade, energy, and border security. As a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a formal invitation to President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
Prior to this meeting, PM Sharif received a guard of honour at the Saadabad Palace, where he had arrived to hold meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Upon his arrival, he was given a warm welcome by the Iranian president. The national anthems of both Pakistan and Iran were played as the prime minister stood on the salute dais.
A well-turned-out contingent of the Iranian armed forces presented a guard of honour, which PM Sharif reviewed alongside President Pezeshkian. Following the formal ceremony, both leaders introduced members of their respective delegations before heading into official talks.
