Tehran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised Pakistan’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestinian issue, saying that Pakistan has always supported truth and justice and has remained steadfast in its stance despite incentives to establish ties with the Zionist regime.

A high-level delegation led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran on Monday, where bilateral relations, the situation in Palestine, the unity of the Muslim Ummah and regional issues were discussed. The meeting was also attended by Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Peshmerga and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Sayyed Asim Munir, along with key ministers.

Muslim world needs unity: Iranian Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that Iran and Pakistan must work together to stop the Zionist regime from its ongoing atrocities in Gaza. He said that the support of Israel by some Muslim countries is regrettable, but the strong cooperation between countries like Iran and Pakistan is a ray of hope for the Muslim world.

He added that in the current era, when powerful elements around the world are fomenting war and division, the unity of Muslim nations is the only guarantee of security and stability.

Need to expand Pak-Iran relations
The Iranian Supreme Leader described Pak-Iran relations as “fraternal and historic”, but stressed that the current bilateral cooperation in various fields falls short of expectations. He suggested that the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) be reactivated and mutual ties in the economic, cultural and political fields be promoted.

He also praised Pakistan’s intellectual and scientific status with reference to Pakistan’s nuclear scientists and national poet Allama Iqbal.

PM’s speech: New chapter in relations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Supreme Leader of Iran to visit Pakistan in the meeting and reiterated his commitment to take Pak-Iran relations to new heights. He said that Pakistan wants to transform the relations between the two countries into a strategic partnership.

He expressed deep regret over the current situation in Gaza and said that the international community has failed to help the Palestinian people. The Prime Minister appreciated Iran’s recent role and also thanked Iran for its efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India.

In an interview during the same visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is considering a Free Trade Agreement with Iran, which could open new doors for economic development for both countries.

Support for Iran-US talks for peace and stability in the region

The Prime Minister termed the ongoing talks between Iran and the US on the nuclear deal as a visionary step and expressed hope that it would promote peace and stability in the region.