Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s commitment to building on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a post on X on Thursday, stating that his country will continue to play a role in pursuing peace and stability in the region.
PM Shehbaz shared the post after meeting President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
“It was a pleasure to meet my dear brother, President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, in New York today on the sidelines of UNGA,” the prime minister said.
He stated that the two sides had reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and their shared desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
The prime minister wrote that the meeting also included an exchange on the evolving regional situation. He added that he had reiterated Pakistan’s concern over the prolonged conflict and stressed the need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomacy.
“We remain committed to building on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and will continue to play a sincere and constructive role in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region,” Shehbaz said.
The prime minister also said that he valued Pezeshkian’s commitment to Pakistan-Iran friendship and the two countries’ coordination for regional peace.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the regional situation and agreed to work for regional peace, security and prosperity. They also stressed the importance of maintaining regular consultations and close coordination to address challenges and pursue opportunities.
Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomacy and efforts for regional peace and security. He also reaffirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan and highlighted the ties between the two countries based on shared history, culture and faith.
Speaking to media representatives after the meeting, Shehbaz said that Pezeshkian had conveyed that the Islamabad MoU remained fully acceptable to Iran.
The prime minister also expressed concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, saying that friendly and brotherly countries were working to reduce tensions.
Shehbaz said that he had discussed the issue with Pezeshkian and told him that establishing peace in the region was an urgent need and that Pakistan will continue to play its role.
