BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, where the two leaders emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Both leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran and expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Follow-Up on June Visit
During the meeting, the two leaders also emphasized the importance of implementing the decisions reached during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June.
The discussions focused on translating previous understandings into practical measures and further developing bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and Iran share historical, cultural and geographical ties, while both countries have repeatedly expressed interest in strengthening economic, trade and regional cooperation.
Pezeshkian Praises Pakistan’s Role
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also appreciated Pakistan’s active and constructive role in the mediation process.
According to the statement, Pezeshkian said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured him that the Mecca Agreement was defensive in nature and was not directed against any particular country.
He said the objective of the agreement was to contribute to peace and security in the region while protecting the interests of regional countries.
Pezeshkian further stressed the importance of unity among Muslim countries. He said that if Muslim countries remained united, Israel would not be able to attack them so easily.
The Iranian president maintained that Muslim countries possess the ability to resolve their differences and challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
Call for Greater Muslim Unity
Pezeshkian described the Mecca Agreement as a step toward strengthening unity within the Muslim world.
He expressed the hope that other regional and Muslim countries would also become part of such efforts and increase cooperation.
His comments came in the context of broader regional tensions and growing calls among Muslim countries for greater coordination on issues affecting regional peace and security.
Pakistan has continued to emphasize dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes in its engagement with regional partners.
Meeting With Uzbek President
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan during his visit to Bishkek.
The two sides expressed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to $2 billion.
The trade target reflects the two countries’ efforts to deepen economic relations and expand commercial ties.
Pakistan has been seeking stronger economic engagement with Central Asian states, particularly through increased trade, transportation links and regional connectivity.
Uzbekistan, as a landlocked Central Asian country, is also interested in developing alternative trade routes to international markets. Pakistan’s geographic position and access to the Arabian Sea provide opportunities for stronger connectivity between Central Asia and global markets.
The meetings held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Bishkek reflect Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations with neighbouring and regional countries.
His discussions with the Iranian and Uzbek presidents focused on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, regional connectivity, peace and security, and greater cooperation among Muslim and regional countries.
The meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit also provide Islamabad with an opportunity to advance its diplomatic and economic priorities while strengthening engagement with important partners across the region.
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