Bishkek: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the necessity of ongoing diplomatic engagement and restraint to secure lasting peace and stability in the region. This call for diplomacy was made during his meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, held on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) Meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of building upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as the only viable route to achieve enduring peace. Both leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, with Prime Minister Sharif reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to sincere efforts in regional peacebuilding. He noted that the recent visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran, along with his constructive engagements, were positive developments in this regard.
The meeting also saw a reaffirmation of the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran. The leaders emphasized strengthening bilateral relations across all mutual cooperation areas, following decisions made during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June. Discussions included enhancing regional connectivity and fostering people-to-people contacts.
President Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in regional peace and security and highlighted the deep-rooted Pakistan-Iran relations based on shared history, culture, and faith. He conveyed Tehran’s intent to deepen cooperation across various sectors and called for unity among the Ummah to address contemporary challenges.
Prime Minister Sharif invited President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan officially, and the Iranian President extended an invitation to the Prime Minister for the upcoming ECO Summit in Tehran in December. Speaking to the media later, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the brotherly and neighborly relations between Pakistan and Iran, noting that their meetings consistently focus on promoting regional peace and cooperation.