In meeting with Iranian President, PM Shehbaz calls for sustained diplomacy to ensure regional peace

Istanbul (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that patience, restraint and continued dialogue are essential to securing durable peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister made the remarks while meeting Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, where the two leaders held discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz called for further progress on the understandings reached through the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), saying these commitments provided the most workable avenue for establishing lasting peace in the region.

The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and the changing security situation.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s determination to play a constructive role in regional peace efforts, noting that the recent visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran and his positive engagements had raised hopes for further progress towards de-escalation and stability.

In a cordial and friendly interaction, the two sides also reaffirmed the longstanding bonds between Pakistan and Iran.

They agreed on the importance of expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest, keeping in view the decisions reached during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June.

Discussions also covered initiatives designed to improve regional connectivity and strengthen links between the people of the two countries.

President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan for its consistent efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

He said the relationship between Pakistan and Iran was deeply rooted in their common history, cultural links and shared faith, while expressing Iran’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors.

The Iranian president also highlighted the need for greater unity within the Muslim Ummah to address the challenges confronting the Muslim world today.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited President Pezeshkian to make an official visit to Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.

The Iranian leader, in turn, invited the Pakistani prime minister to participate in the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Tehran in December.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PM Shehbaz described Pakistan and Iran as close neighbours and brotherly nations, saying interactions between the two countries’ leaderships were always a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

He said Islamabad and Tehran regularly consult each other on key matters and remain committed to working jointly for peace in the region.

PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan and Iran will continue joint efforts to de-escalate the situation and promote regional peace.