Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would eventually evolve into a formal agreement, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation and long-term stability.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad, the prime minister said true friendship is demonstrated during difficult times and welcomed the Iranian leader and his delegation to Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif praised President Pezeshkian’s leadership and highlighted his contributions to humanity as a medical professional. He also welcomed the end of hostilities between Iran and the United States, noting that Pakistan had played a sincere role in facilitating peace efforts through mediation and diplomatic engagement.
The prime minister said the technical-level talks held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, were of considerable importance and expressed hope that the Islamabad MoU would ultimately take the shape of a comprehensive agreement, opening new avenues for development and cooperation.
He paid tribute to the resilience and unity shown by the Iranian people during recent challenges and extended condolences over the loss of lives during the conflict. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, saying Islamabad considers Iran’s success its own success and its losses its own losses.
The premier also thanked the leadership of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt for supporting regional peace efforts. He commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their contributions to the diplomatic process.
Concluding his remarks, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Iran, declaring, “Long live Pakistan-Iran friendship.”
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian began his remarks with a verse by Pakistan’s national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal and described relations between Islamabad and Tehran as unique and deeply rooted.
“Pakistan and Iran are one soul in two bodies. Both countries share a common future and destination,” he said.
President Pezeshkian stated that Pakistan is not only Iran’s neighbor but also a brotherly nation and close friend. He noted that bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
The Iranian president appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability and acknowledged Islamabad’s constructive contribution to the diplomatic process. He said recent developments had further strengthened the longstanding bond between the two countries.
Pezeshkian said discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir focused on bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation.
He thanked the Pakistani leadership and people for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during the visit. The Iranian president also expressed gratitude to the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt for supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace and regional stability.
He stressed that lasting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region can be achieved through stronger connectivity, constructive dialogue, and enhanced cooperation among neighboring countries.
