President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that, throughout difficult periods, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently regarded the friendly and brotherly nation of Pakistan as a steadfast ally.
These remarks were made during a meeting of high-level delegations from Iran and Pakistan, chaired by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad.
Expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support during the recent conflict instigated by the Israeli regime, President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of fostering unity among Islamic nations. He noted that the enemy had anticipated that, alongside the invasion, hostile groups would infiltrate Iran to sow chaos; however, this plan was successfully thwarted by the wisdom of neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the president highlighted Iran's commitment to achieving a trade target of $10 billion with Pakistan and announced the upcoming convening of a joint economic commission between the two nations. He stated that true peace and security can only be realized when scientific, economic, cultural, and social relations among nations are fully developed.
Pezeshkian also called for decisive action against terrorist groups operating in border regions, underscoring the critical role of religious scholars in addressing the ideological and intellectual threats posed by these groups.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the president expressed sorrow over the extensive attacks on the people of Gaza, characterizing the apparent inaction and superficial responses of those claiming to defend human rights as complicity with criminals.
In response, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his pleasure at the Iranian president's visit, affirming that Iran is a neighbor and brother to Pakistan. He expressed hope that this visit would pave the way for peace and progress along the lengthy borders of the two nations.
Sharif condemned the aggression of the Israeli regime and the United States against Iranian territory, commending the courage, commitment, and professionalism of the Iranian armed forces, led by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He also extended condolences for the martyrdom of military commanders, scientists, and citizens of Iran.
He reiterated the goal of increasing trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion, emphasizing the diverse capacities in agriculture, textiles, food industries, and fruits as essential for joint cooperation. He stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of the economic roadmap between the two countries and announced his country's readiness to develop border markets, establish a joint free trade zone, eliminate trade quotas, resolve banking issues, and enhance barter trade.
The prime minister further noted that the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is a product of initial collaboration between Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, emphasizing the significant potential for trilateral cooperation in areas such as railways, border security, and counter-terrorism.
He also reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Pakistani people for the Palestinian cause, describing the crimes of the Israeli regime as unprecedented in history.