TEHRAN: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his government’s resolve to further deepen strategic cooperation with Iran in the complex geo-political times.
PM Sharif made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on the Supreme Leader of Iran, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Monday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar were also present in the meeting.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep respect for the Iranian Supreme Leader, describing him as a revered figure in the Muslim world and a source of guidance and leadership for the Muslim Ummah.
He emphasised Pakistan’s consistent desire for peace in the region, which he said is essential for achieving economic growth and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also briefed the Supreme Leader on the recent tensions with India, highlighting India’s hegemonic and revisionist agenda.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the Iranian leadership for its support in the face of Indian aggression.
He also outlined the steps being taken to further strengthen and elevate Pakistan-Iran ties to their highest potential.
The Prime Minister commended the farsightedness of the Iranian leadership in pursuing the nuclear talks with the United States and hoped that a constructive deal between the two nations could promote peace and stability in the region.
Iranian Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his efforts to promote regional peace and stability, praising his foresight and strong personal commitment to deepening Pakistan-Iran relations.
He offered prayers for Pakistan’s continued prosperity, growth, and development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for the Supreme Leader’s admiration of Allama Iqbal, the poet of the East.
He also extended a heartfelt invitation, requesting Seyyed Ali Khamenei to visit Pakistan again at his earliest convenience.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister met with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran and also addressed a joint presser along with him.
PM Sharif arrived in Iran on Monday after concluding his two-day visit to Turkiye. The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit was to express gratitude to the people of Turkiye, and especially to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for their strong support and cooperation during the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, prior to his visit, said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, which stood at $3 billion, would be taken to $10 billion in the next few years, as there was immense potential for growth.
