ISLAMABAD, Sunday, August 03, 2025 (WNP): Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani on Sunday held a wide-ranging meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming the historic and strategic ties between the two neighboring nations and pledging to deepen collaboration across parliamentary, economic, and cultural domains.

Welcoming President Pezeshkian, Chairman Gillani said the Iranian leader’s visit would further cement the friendship, brotherhood, and mutual cooperation that Pakistan and Iran have long cherished. He congratulated Iran on what he termed its “historic success” in the recent conflict with Israel, adding that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

“Our Parliament passed a unanimous resolution supporting Iran and condemning Israeli aggression,” Gillani noted. “Pakistan stands firmly behind Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Senate Chairman emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy and dialogue. “War is never a solution. We hope for lasting peace, stability, and development across the Middle East and West Asia,” he said.

Gillani praised the chants of “Tashakkur Pakistan” (Thank You, Pakistan) that echoed during President Pezeshkian’s address to the Iranian Parliament as a powerful testament to the deep bond between the two countries. He also expressed gratitude for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the discussions, both sides explored avenues to further bolster parliamentary collaboration through the Pakistan-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group and committed to enhancing people-to-people contacts, trade ties, and cultural exchanges. Gillani called for greater educational and cultural linkages, and thanked Iran for its hospitality toward Pakistani pilgrims.

“Iran can always rely on Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity,” he assured President Pezeshkian.

Also present at the meeting were National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senator Salim Mandviwalla, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, and MNA Naveed Qamar.

President Pezeshkian echoed Gillani’s sentiments, describing Pakistan and Iran as two nations bound by deep-rooted historical, religious, and civilizational ties. He expressed Iran’s intent to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development, and praised the people and Parliament of Pakistan for their principled stance during the recent Iran-Israel conflict.

Highlighting the importance of inter-parliamentary diplomacy, Pezeshkian stressed that dialogue, cooperation, and brotherhood must remain the guiding principles for regional and global peace. “Pakistan and Iran’s shared message to the world is one of hope and harmony,” he concluded.