ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, promoting regional peace and stability, and expanding cooperation in key sectors including connectivity, trade, security and economic development.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between the two leaders at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where they held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, regional developments, peace and security, economic cooperation, and matters of mutual interest.

President Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of the President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi, and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam.

The Pakistani side included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Chief Whip Senate Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr. Asim Hussain.

Welcoming President Pezeshkian on his first state visit to Pakistan following the recent regional conflict, President Zardari said the visit reflected the enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran and demonstrated the commitment of both nations to stand together during times of challenge and opportunity.

He congratulated the Iranian President on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations and follow-up engagements would pave the way for sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran’s peace, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, emphasizing that Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful engagement as the most effective means of resolving regional and international disputes.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening unity within the Muslim Ummah while maintaining close and constructive relations with all brotherly countries of the Gulf region.

The President also conveyed his condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei and stated that Pakistan would participate in the funeral ceremonies as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Iran.

President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting dialogue and peace and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during recent challenging circumstances.

He said Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further enhancing cooperation in political, economic, security and regional affairs for the mutual benefit of the two neighbouring countries.

The Iranian President also acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere efforts in supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and fostering regional stability.

President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards and best wishes to His Eminence Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The meeting reflected the shared resolve of Islamabad and Tehran to further deepen their historic relationship and work closely for regional peace, connectivity, economic cooperation and the collective well-being of the peoples of both countries.