Pakistan supports Iran’s right to have civilian nuclear program: PM Shehbaz

TEHRAN: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan fully supports Iran’s right to have a civilian nuclear program, assuring that Islamabad will work with Tehran on all issues of mutual concern, a state-run news agency, APP, reported.

PM Shehbaz and President Masoud Pezeshkian held a meeting during the former’s visit to Iran. Speaking to media in a joint presser, the prime minister said that the talks with the Iranian president were fruitful and constructive, addressing all aspects of shared interest and cooperation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed expansion of bilateral relations in different areas including politics, economy and international cooperation and agreed to continue implementing already signed agreements, he explained.

‘Ready to talks with India for regional peace’

He said Pakistan emerged triumphant from the crisis with India due to the courageous efforts of our exceptional armed forces, backed robustly by the Pakistani populace.

“We wanted peace. We want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks on the table and resolve our outstanding issues including Kashmir problem according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions which were acknowledged even by the Indian Lok Sabha when Nehru was the prime minister of India.”

“We are ready to talk for the sake of peace on different issues including water, trade and also counter terrorism if India is serious,” he informed.

The prime minister reiterated that should India persist with aggression, Pakistan will safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“If they accept our offer we want to talk for the sake of peace,” he reiterated.

Pakistan, Iran agree to boost bilateral trade

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen collaboration to increase bilateral trade and investment and jointly strive for regional peace and security.

“There was total agreement that the two brotherly neigbouring countries must enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and economy,” PM Shehbaz said and added that said Pakistan and Iran have deep rooted cultural and historical relations.

“We have decided to transform these relations into a very productive cooperation in various fields of life.I also took this opportunity to thank the President for calling me and showing his concern on the evolving situation in the sub-continent a few weeks ago.”

The prime minister said that Pakistan He said his government had the opportunity to have extensive discussions with the Iranian foreign minister who visited Pakistan some time back.

“I deeply appreciate your sense of concern and brotherly feelings for the people of Pakistan and your ardent desire that this crisis comes to a grinding halt instead of escalating further,” he told the President.

Solidarity with Palestine

The Prime Minister said Pakistan condemned Israeli actions causing untold misery for the people of Gaza, where more than 50,000 Palestinians were murdered by Israel and the bloodbath still continued.

“It is high time that the international community uses its influence to bring lasting ceasefire in Palestine. Pakistan stands by its brothers and sisters in Iran to promote peace, progress and prosperity,” he added.

He said Pakistan fully supported Iran’s right to have civilian nuclear programme. He assured that Pakistan would work with Iran on all issues of mutual concern.

While welcoming the Prime Minister and his delegation, the Iranian President said Pakistan was an important neighbouring country and both countries enjoyed centuries old historical, cultural and civilizational links.

He said Pakistan and Iran shared common stance on important regional and international issues on different platforms including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Iranian President said the two countries should cooperate on making their borders secure from the activities of terrorists and criminal groups.

“Peace and stability in Pakistan is in the interest of Iran. We believe that sustaining security and maintaining friendly and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries is in the interest of the two countries,” he continued.

He said Iran welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, adding settling issues through dialogue was essential for stability in the region.

“We believe that for ensuring security and stability in the region, neighbouring countries should hold dialogue and have positive consultations among each other and with the international partners.”

He said the two sides discussed issues facing the Islamic world and the top priority was the issue of Palestine.

“As always we support the cause of Palestine and condemn the atrocities carried out by Israel,” he added.

Earlier on his arrival, the Iranian President warmly received the Prime Minister and his delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatimi accompanied the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday was given a guard of honour at Saadabad Palace of Iran where he arrived to hold meeting with President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

As the prime minister arrived at the Palace, he was warmly received by President Pezeshkian. The national anthems of Pakistan and Iran were played as the prime minister stood at the salute dias.

The smartly turned out contingent of the Iranian armed forces presented the guard of honor which the prime minister reviewed along with the President Pezeshkian.

Later, both the dignitaries introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding to their meeting.