Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a new regional security architecture grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and intra-regional cooperation, stressing that lasting peace and stability in West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be achieved through honest engagement among regional states.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian said Iran deeply believes that sustainable peace, stability, development, and prosperity for the nations of the region are attainable only through frank dialogue and constructive cooperation among neighboring countries.
Based on this conviction, Iran extends a hand of friendship to Islamic countries to create a shared understanding and a new regional security framework, the president stated.
He opened his remarks by citing verses from prominent Islamic poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, highlighting themes of unity, solidarity, and awakening among Muslim nations. President Pezeshkian noted that Iran and Pakistan share not only geographical proximity but also a long-standing bond rooted in shared history, religion, culture, and common aspirations.
Pakistan is not merely a neighbor for Iran; it is a brotherly and friendly country with which Iranians share deep ties of trust and mutual respect, he said, emphasizing that recent developments once again demonstrated the strength of bilateral relations.
The Iranian president praised Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting dialogue, reducing tensions, and contributing to regional stability during recent challenges. He added that Iran’s acceptance of initiatives concerning Pakistani-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington reflected the longstanding trust between the two neighboring nations.
He expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the government and people of Pakistan toward the Iranian delegation and said the visit included productive and constructive meetings with Pakistani leadership, including the prime minister, the president, and the army chief.
According to the president, the discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments, and global issues, resulting in a shared determination to open a new chapter in cooperation based on mutual interests.
He also referred to several Islamic countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, noting their constructive efforts toward regional convergence.
The shared vision and approach pursued by the officials of these countries to establish a common language and regional cooperation is a valuable one, the president said, adding that Muslims must move forward on the path of unity and convergence.
Concluding his remarks, President Pezeshkian thanked the Pakistani side for accepting the invitation to visit Tehran, attend the funeral ceremony of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and follow up on the discussions and agreements reached during this visit.