Emphasizing the need to ensure peace and stability in the region with a focus on regional mechanisms, the President stressed the need to ensure security in the borders of Iran and Pakistan, and said, “Security is a common concern of the two countries, and the development of relations in this regard is imperative”.
Speaking on Wednesday in a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, President Hassan Rouhani stressed the importance of cooperation with the country as a Muslim neighbour of Iran, emphasizing the development and deepening of relations between the two countries in various fields, including economic relations and trade, as well as the development and strengthening of border markets”.
Referring to the US’ decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, Dr. Rouhani said that the US military presence in the region has not helped maintain security and stability, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan to play its role in this regard”.
“Iran and Pakistan, as two most important and effective neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, should increase cooperation and interaction for the development of the peace process in the country,” he added.
During the meeting, the President also referred to the previous agreements between the two countries aimed at developing cooperation, and stressed the need to implement and operationalize the agreements and the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to meet Pakistan’s energy needs.
In the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan described the relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as unique, valuable and brotherly, and emphasized on strengthening and consolidating these relations in all fields of mutual interest.
Referring to the emphasis of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on further development of relations with Iran, Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed hope that in the near future, bilateral relations will enter a new phase and we will witness new achievements in the development of relations between the two countries, especially in commercial and economic fields.
The Pakistani Foreign Minister also praised Iran’s position in supporting Pakistan on regional and international issues, declaring his country’s support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a major achievement of diplomacy in the world, saying, “We are very happy that with Iran’s efforts, the JCPOA has survived, and that today, talks to revive this multilateral agreement is happening”.