Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of restraint and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

He laid this emphasis during his meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek today, on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) Meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Prime Minister also underscored the need to build on the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU, as it offered the only viable pathway towards enduring peace in the region.

Both leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. While reaffirming that Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts for regional peacebuilding, Shehbaz Sharif said the recent visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran and his constructive engagements augured well in this regard.

During the warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between the two countries. They emphasized the need to further strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual cooperation, in line with decisions taken during the visit of President Pezeshkian to Pakistan in June this year.

They also reviewed ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and people-to-people contacts.

President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic efforts for regional peace and security.

He also underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in centuries of shared history, culture, and faith, and reaffirmed Tehran’s strong desire to further deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

The Iranian President further stressed the need to forge unity among the Ummah to deal with contemporary challenges.

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The Iranian President also invited the Prime Minister to the forthcoming ECO Summit in Tehran in December this year.

Later, talking to the media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Iran are brotherly and neighboring countries, and their meetings are always a matter of great happiness and satisfaction.

He said the two countries exchange views on important issues and work together to promote peace in the region.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Iran will continue joint efforts to de-escalate the situation and promote regional peace.