ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday met President Asif Ali Zardari and praised Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, while both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace.
President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day on a one-day visit following Islamabad-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington in Switzerland.
According to a statement issued by the President House, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional peace and security, economic cooperation, regional connectivity and other issues of mutual interest.
The Iranian president was accompanied 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.
The Pakistani side included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim Hussain.
President Zardari welcomed President Pezeshkian on his first state visit to Pakistan following the recent regional conflict and said the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and their resolve to stand together during challenging times.
He congratulated the Iranian president on the signing of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and expressed hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace in the region.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s peace, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, adding that Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the best path to resolving regional and international disputes.
He also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining close fraternal relations with the Gulf states.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated Islamabad’s support during recent developments. He said Iran attaches great importance to its relationship with Pakistan and looks forward to expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional affairs.
President Zardari also requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
