Iran has the right as per the UN Charter to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes: PM Shehbaz
Says the people of IIOJK must be granted their inalienable right to self-determination
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran views Pakistan not only as a neighbor but as a brother
Pakistan & Iran exchange 12 agreements & MoUs for promotion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism and ensure peace along their shared border, paving the way for opening up new avenues of regional development.
The commitment was expressed by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at a meeting in Islamabad on Sunday. Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Attaullah Tarar Advocate, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mir Khalid Hussain Magsi, Mir Jam Kamal Khan, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ali Parvez Malik, Abdul Aleem Khan, Senator Ahad Khan Cheema, Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Ministers of State Muhammad Talal Chaudhry, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Advisor to PM on Political and Public Affairs and Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan, Advisor to PM on Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, SAPMs Syed Tariq Fatemi, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Foreign Secretary Mumtaz Zahra Baloch other officials were also present on the occasion.
The two sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and committed to achieve a target of 10 billion dollars bilateral trade at the earliest.
They strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza, calling for its immediate cessation. Both sides also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among all Muslim nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said recent unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran was totally uncalled for, and it was condemned in the strongest terms not only by the government but also by the people of Pakistan.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance, he said Iran has the right as per the UN Charter to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The Prime Minister said both Islamabad and Tehran have convergence of views on terrorism that no form of this menace will be tolerated, whether on Pakistani soil or in Iran
On the situation in Gaza, he urged the international community to unite in calling for an immediate ceasefire. He paid tribute to the Iranian government for its unwavering support for the innocent Palestinian people, who continue to suffer under Israeli brutality. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.
PM Shehbaz Sharif further said the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is not much different to that of in Gaza as the Kashmiris continue to suffer Indian brutalities. He emphasized that the people of IIOJK must be granted their inalienable right to self-determination. He said Pakistan always has and will continue to raise voice for Kashmiri people. He thanked Iran for supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom.
On the occasion, the Iranian President thanked the people and government of Pakistan for standing with Iran during recent Israeli aggression. He extended the message of unity and brotherhood to Pakistan by reciting Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
The Iranian President said Iran views Pakistan not only as a neighbor but as a brother. He said there are serious and joint efforts to deepen bilateral relations in all dimensions and the agreements and MoUs exchanged today are a manifestation of this.
Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian extended invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Iran for renewing talks and following up on the progress made in bilateral relations so far.
Meanwhile Pakistan and Iran have exchanged 12 agreements and MoUs for promotion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
The exchange ceremony was held in Islamabad on Sunday, in the presence of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
The agreements and MoUs included cooperation for plant protection and plant quarantine, joint use of Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science, technology and innovation, cooperation in information and communications technology, exchange programs for culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards, MoUs on maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, supplemental MoU to an MoU in 2013 related to air services agreement, MoU on recognition of products certification, inspection and testing, tourism cooperation for 2025-27 and joint ministerial statement on the intent to finalize Free Trade Agreement.
Meanwhile a formal welcome ceremony was hosted in honour of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at the Prime Minister House, Islamabad on Sunday.
On arrival, he was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. National anthems of both countries were played on the occasion and the dignitary was presented ceremonial guard of honor.
The Iranian President planted a commemorative sapling in the garden of PM House. Later, the Prime Minister introduced the guest to the members of federal cabinet and exchanged cordialities.