Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pzyksian have stressed the need to further strengthen the long-standing relations between Pakistan and Iran.
The two leaders said this during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit in Bishkek on Monday. The meeting discussed bilateral relations, regional peace and mutual cooperation.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan wants to further enhance cooperation with Iran in various fields. The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing progress in all areas of mutual relations.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during the previous high-level contacts. The Prime Minister stressed the need for more practical steps in this regard.
The regional situation was also an important topic of the meeting. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan will continue its diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region.
Shahbaz Sharif called for restraint and continuous diplomatic contacts to reduce tensions. He also stressed the need to take forward the reconciliation process under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. According to the Prime Minister, this process provides a viable path towards sustainable peace in the region.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the recent visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran. He said that the constructive engagements during this visit are expected to yield positive results.
Iranian President Masoud Pzyksian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and security. He said that Pakistan-Iran relations are based on shared history and culture.
The meeting also expressed the desire to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The Iranian President also stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in the Muslim Ummah.
The meeting took place in the context of ongoing tensions in the region. In such circumstances, direct contact between Pakistan and Iran can become an important means of joint discussion on the regional situation.
There is scope for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in many areas, including trade, border ties, energy and people-to-people contacts. In the current situation, continued diplomatic engagement can help reduce differences and advance peace efforts in the region.
