ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect, shared values, and close people-to-people ties.
This came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and the Ambassador of Iran, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
During the meeting, the minister underscored that Pakistan and the people of Pakistan share deep-rooted, historic, and fraternal relations with Iran and stand firmly with the people of Iran in difficult circumstances.
He added that Pakistan has confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history, and resilience, to address all the challenges confronting Iran.
The Iranian Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan. He appreciated the consistent support extended by the Pakistani leadership and the Pakistani nation, and acknowledged Pakistan’s principled and longstanding approach towards Iran.
Meanwhile, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, during a meeting with the Somali Ambassador Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan, highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Somalia, rooted in shared values and people-to-people ties.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for peace, stability, and capacity-building efforts in Somalia.
The Somali Ambassador thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their consistent support and cooperation, and appreciated Pakistan’s contributions towards peace and development in Somalia.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region.
Pakistan and Iran share deep historical, cultural, and religious ties, fostering cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy, and security areas, aiming to boost trade through border markets and improve regional stability.
Both neighbouring countries are committed to enhancing ties through high-level visits and joint commissions.
After the war erupted between Israel and Iran in June 2025, Pakistan joined other Muslim countries at the OIC to condemn Israel’s strikes on Iran.
As the only Muslim state with nuclear weapons, Pakistan urgently called for an emergency OIC meeting after Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites in June.
At the 13th Round of Pakistan-Iran Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad in November, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance and diversify bilateral trade and cooperation in energy, transport connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides underscored the significance of the regular convening of various institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Economic Commission and Joint Trade Committee, to forge closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
