“Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pledge closer coordination, endorse the Islamabad MoU, and reaffirm commitment to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.”
CHOLPON-ATA, Friday, July 24, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan and Iran on Friday reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen diplomatic coordination in support of regional peace and stability during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) Meeting in Cholpon-Ata.
The two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional security environment and reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining close cooperation on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over recent regional tensions and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation by all parties, and sustained diplomatic engagement as the only viable path to achieving lasting peace and stability.
He emphasized the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 2026, describing it as an important framework for advancing constructive engagement and strengthening regional cooperation.
Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic support and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and security.
He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including those from vessels interdicted by the United States, and acknowledged Pakistan’s close coordination with Iranian, U.S., and other relevant authorities in ensuring their secure transit through Pakistan and safe repatriation to Iran.
The two ministers reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical, cultural, religious, and economic ties between Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
They agreed to maintain regular consultations and close diplomatic coordination on regional developments while reaffirming their shared commitment to working together to promote peace, stability, mutual understanding, and sustainable prosperity across the region.
The meeting reflected the continued momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and underscored both countries’ resolve to strengthen strategic cooperation through dialogue, diplomacy, and enhanced regional engagement.
