ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (WNP): Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for a new regional security architecture based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among Islamic countries, saying Iran was extending a hand of friendship to Muslim nations to build lasting peace, stability and prosperity in West Asia and the Persian Gulf.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif following delegation-level talks in Islamabad, President Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic firmly believed that sustainable peace, security, development and prosperity could only be achieved through sincere dialogue, intra-regional cooperation and constructive engagement among regional countries.

“On this basis, we extend the hand of friendship to Islamic countries to build a common understanding and a new security architecture for the region,” he said.

The Iranian president began his remarks by reciting verses of renowned Muslim philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, describing his message of unity, solidarity and awakening as the enduring foundation of relations between Iran and Pakistan.

He said the two nations were connected not merely by geography but by shared aspirations, common concerns and a common destiny.

“Pakistan is not just a neighbouring country for Iran; it is a friendly, brotherly and sincere partner with whom we share deep historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people bonds,” President Pezeshkian remarked.

He said Tehran-Islamabad relations had always been founded on mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, adding that recent developments had once again demonstrated the resilience of this valuable partnership.

Referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic role during a period of heightened regional tensions, President Pezeshkian praised Islamabad’s responsible and farsighted approach in supporting dialogue, reducing tensions and promoting regional stability.

He said Iran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative reflected the deep trust the Iranian nation and leadership placed in the government and people of Pakistan.

Expressing gratitude to Pakistan’s leadership and people, President Pezeshkian thanked the government for its warm hospitality during his official visit and acknowledged Pakistan’s support and solidarity.

During the visit, he held separate meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, where the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments.

He said the discussions demonstrated the determination of both countries to capitalize on the current positive momentum to open a new chapter in bilateral ties and expand cooperation based on shared interests.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, President Pezeshkian referred to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye as countries whose leaders were working toward a common regional vision based on dialogue and cooperation.

He said Muslim countries should continue advancing on the path of unity, solidarity and regional integration.

The Iranian president expressed confidence that the vast potential of Iran and Pakistan, combined with the political will of their leaders and the support of their peoples, could elevate bilateral relations to a level befitting two of the Islamic world’s most important nations.

He said such cooperation could serve as a successful model of partnership, integration and brotherhood for the wider region.

President Pezeshkian also emphasized both countries’ strong commitment to expanding trade and economic cooperation, noting that ministers accompanying the Iranian delegation had held productive discussions with their Pakistani counterparts to remove technical barriers and implement agreements reached during previous bilateral engagements.

Concluding his remarks, President Pezeshkian thanked the government and people of Pakistan once again for their hospitality and appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s acceptance of his invitation to visit Tehran. He expressed hope that the ongoing consultations and agreements reached during the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to lasting regional peace and stability.