ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to continue working closely with Iran for regional peace and mutual prosperity.
PM Sharif was talking to Iran’s Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, Ali Ardeshir Larijani, who called on the Prime Minister in Islamabad, Radio Pakistan reported.
Prime Minister Sharif appreciated Iran’s principled positions on regional issues and expressed his and the country’s gratitude for Iran’s solidarity with Pakistan during difficult times.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the significance of the historic and close fraternal ties between the two countries and called for further deepening and broadening of bilateral relations across diverse fields.
During the meeting, Ali Ardeshir Larijani reciprocated the sentiment and stressed upon the need for enhancing Pakistan-Iran ties in wide-ranging and mutually beneficial areas.
He thanked the Pakistani nation and leadership for their unflinching support to Iran during its recent 12-day War with Israel and expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in advocating dialogue and diplomacy for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on major regional and international developments, while stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
It was decided in the meeting that a delegation under the leadership of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will soon visit Iran to further strengthen cooperation in different fields, especially agriculture and connectivity.
The Prime Minister conveyed his profound respect and good wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader, His Eminence Syed Ali Khamenei, as well as President Masoud Pezeshkian, and thanked them for their support to Pakistan as well as their commitment to stronger Pakistan-Iran relations.
Enhanced trade ties
Earlier, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, during a meeting with Ali Ardashir Larijani, emphasised Islamabad’s desire to work closely with Iran to increase the bilateral trade, adding that the rail link between the two countries should be strengthened on a priority basis to support trade and promote tourism.
The President said that frequent exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran reflect positive momentum in bilateral ties and warmly recalled his meeting with the Iranian President in August.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s desire to work closely with Iran to enhance bilateral trade, noting that the rail link between the two countries should be strengthened as a priority to facilitate commerce and promote tourism.
He added that improved connectivity would benefit businesses and travelers, particularly the pilgrims, and help deepen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan-Iran cooperation
Earlier, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s National Security Advisor Ali Larijani held a meeting in Islamabad. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in diverse areas and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said.
Ali Larijani arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an official visit to Pakistan. According to the Iranian embassy in Islamabad, Larijani’s visit is of extraordinary importance, signalling a new strategic phase in Pakistan-Iran relations.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, in a statement on X, said Larijani’s visit reflects the deepening dialogue between Pakistan and Iran and is aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations. He stressed that the trip will contribute to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Prior to his departure, Ali Larijani described Pakistan as a friendly and brotherly nation, recalling the support Iran received from the Pakistani people, especially during the war imposed by the United States and the “Zionist regime.”
He remarked that both Iran and Pakistan play crucial roles in ensuring regional stability and reiterated Iran’s commitment to maintaining strong, brotherly ties with all neighbouring countries.
Earlier this month, Pakistan and Iran held the 13th round of Pak-Iran Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad, during which both sides agreed to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade, as well as cooperation in energy, transport connectivity, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, while Iran was represented by Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
In October, Pakistan and Iran agreed to establish a joint committee to address border trade and logistics challenges between the two nations.
The two countries share a 900-kilometre porous border, which they aim to develop as a channel for enhancing transport and energy cooperation, as part of wider efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration.
