TIANJIN, Monday, September 1, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where the two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote regional peace.

During the talks, both sides reviewed the state of Pakistan-Iran relations across political, economic, and cultural spheres and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of ties.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with its neighbor, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the “deep historic and brotherly” bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared history, cultural heritage, and faith.

He emphasized the need to further strengthen political and economic linkages for mutual benefit.

The prime minister recalled President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan last month, describing it as a “significant milestone” that had contributed to consolidating relations. “The people of Pakistan were very happy to welcome the Iranian president, and the visit proved very helpful in further strengthening our ties,” he noted.

President Pezeshkian, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support and reiterated Iran’s determination to broaden cooperation in diverse areas of common interest.

Expressing solidarity with Pakistan over the devastation caused by ongoing floods, the Iranian president extended condolences on the loss of lives and property, assuring that “the government and people of Iran stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in this hour of need.”

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior federal ministers.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering solidarity with Tehran, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan remained committed to dialogue and diplomacy as the only path toward de-escalation and regional stability.