Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended an invitation to Iran for deeper cooperation in the areas of economic development and bilateral trade, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen ties with its neighbor. The announcement came during a meeting between the prime minister and Iranian Parliament Speaker Dr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led a delegation to Islamabad.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed a broad range of issues, with a particular focus on enhancing economic connectivity and regional collaboration. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed that Pakistan is eager to promote practical partnerships with Iran in trade, investment, and development sectors, describing the meeting as a continuation of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
The prime minister recalled the historic and cordial relations between Pakistan and Iran, referring to Iran as a “brotherly Muslim country” with which Pakistan shares deep cultural and religious bonds. He also extended his respect to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pazeshkian, acknowledging their leadership in promoting peace and dialogue across the region.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that both nations reject state-sponsored terrorism and remain committed to global peace through diplomatic engagement. He noted that Pakistan and Iran have both suffered from terrorism and aggression, strengthening their shared resolve to work for stability and prosperity in the region. “Both countries have unfortunately been victims of terrorism and firmly share the desire for global peace, prosperity, and constructive cooperation,” the prime minister said.
The premier emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran in unity and solidarity for the greater cohesion of the Muslim world. He underlined that collaboration between the two nations can play a key role in advancing regional economic integration, particularly under initiatives that link trade and energy corridors between South Asia and the Middle East.
Iranian Speaker Dr Ghalibaf thanked the prime minister, the government, and the people of Pakistan for their continued support and solidarity, especially during the recent Iran-Israel conflict. He said the people of Iran deeply appreciated Pakistan’s principled stance during the 12-day confrontation, describing it as a reflection of enduring brotherhood and mutual understanding.
Ghalibaf also expressed gratitude to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for fostering close cooperation between the parliaments of both countries. He noted that parliamentary diplomacy serves as a bridge to further strengthen political and economic relations. The Iranian speaker conveyed warm greetings from President Masoud Pazeshkian to Prime Minister Shehbaz and expressed Tehran’s desire to accelerate efforts toward finalizing a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
He added that Iran remains committed to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan in trade, infrastructure, and energy sectors, noting that both sides share a common vision for economic progress and regional stability. The meeting concluded with expressions of mutual respect and an understanding to continue high-level dialogue to build a stronger, more interconnected partnership.
The meeting was attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, who reiterated Pakistan’s support for continued collaboration with Iran on all fronts.
