At the outset of this meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed satisfaction over the cessation of conflict between Pakistan and India, voicing hope for a resolution to the outstanding disputes between the two nations. Referring to Pakistan’s strong and principled stance on the Palestinian issue over the past years, Imam Khamenei stated, “While in recent years there have been continuous attempts to tempt Muslim countries into establishing relations with the Zionist regime, Pakistan has never succumbed to these temptations.”
Imam Khamenei underscored the immense capacities of the Islamic Ummah to achieve greater power and influence in the world today, adding, “At a time when warmongers across the globe are relentlessly pursuing conflict and division, the only means of securing safety and security for the Islamic Ummah is unity among Muslim nations and the strengthening of ties between them.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the Palestinian issue as the most important issue of the Islamic world. Pointing to the dire situation in Gaza, he noted, “Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated to such an extent that ordinary citizens in Europe and the US are holding protests against their governments. And yet, in these very circumstances, regrettably, some Islamic governments stand beside the Zionist regime.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that through cooperation, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan can play a significant and influential role in the Islamic world and help redirect the course of the Palestinian issue away from its current wrong path. He said, “We are optimistic about the future of the Islamic world, and many developments reinforce this sense of optimism.”
Imam Khamenei also described the relationship between Iran and Pakistan as having been consistently warm and fraternal, citing Pakistan’s commendable stance during the Sacred Defense (Iran-Iraq War) as a testament to this brotherhood. However, he assessed the current level of bilateral cooperation in various fields as below expectations, and added, “The two countries can assist one another in many areas, and we hope this visit will contribute to a comprehensive expansion of ties, particularly in economic, political, and cultural spheres.”
Imam Khamenei further emphasized the necessity of Iran-Pakistan cooperation to revitalize and activate the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
In this meeting, which was also attended by President Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep pleasure at meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and conveyed appreciation for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s positive role in helping de-escalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. Referring to developments related to the recent border conflicts, he also addressed the issue of Gaza and said, “Regrettably, the international community has taken no effective steps to end the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza.”
The Prime Minister of Pakistan concluded by expressing hope that his fruitful and constructive discussions in Tehran would pave the way for a further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
