Pakistani Primier Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his accompanying delegation on Monday in Islamabad, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
He underscored the historical and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also present during the meeting.
Sharif extended his condolences to the Iranian government and people over the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port. He also conveyed his warm greetings to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The prime minister stressed that Pakistan places great importance on its deep-rooted historical and fraternal relations with Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s determination to work closely with Tehran to advance peace and stability in the region.
Abbas Araghchi, for his part, conveyed the warm greetings from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and other high-ranking Iranian officials to the Pakistani Prime Minister and expressed Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan and playing a role in establishing peace and stability in South Asia.
The Iranian foreign minister also held a meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari while in Islamabad.
According to a statement from the Pakistani presidential office, Zardari and Araghchi discussed the expansion of relations between Iran and Pakistan, as well as security developments in the region.
During the meeting, President Zardari highlighted the historical and brotherly ties between the two nations.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement.
Zardari voiced concerns over what he described as India’s aggressive stance and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
Araghchi, in turn, urged restraint among regional actors and advocated for reducing tensions in South Asia.
The two officials also discussed the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning the atrocities and human rights violations committed by Israeli forces in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its relationship with Pakistan, saying Tehran was eager to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit. He also stressed the need for expanding trade between the two countries to its fullest potential.
Araghchi and Zardari further discussed the situation in Afghanistan, with the Iranian diplomat stressing the need for continued cooperation between Iran and Pakistan on regional matters.
During the day-long trip, Araghchi also held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar before holding talks with the premier and the president.
According to a press release by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi and Dar placed a premium on the need to continue working closely to enhance mutual understanding.
They exchanged views on major regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region, it noted.
According to the ministry, Araghchi said Iran is keen to further deepen relations with Pakistan.
MNA
