Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, commerce, and other fields. This understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Monday.

At a joint press conference, the Prime Minister and Iranian President stated their agreement to transform the deep-rooted ties between the two countries into proactive cooperation across various sectors. The Prime Minister expressed his willingness to engage in talks with India to resolve ongoing disputes, including the longstanding Kashmir conflict and issues related to water security. Premier Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's sincere desire for peace; however, he made it clear that if India chooses to be the aggressor, Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.

The Prime Minister said, “We want peace and will work towards it through dialogue at the negotiating table to resolve outstanding issues, including the Kashmir problem, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

He also thanked President Pezeshkian for his support during the recent military conflict with India and emphasized the deep-rooted cultural ties and historical relations between the two nations, adding that both sides have decided to turn these relations into “very productive cooperation in various fields of life.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and stressed that settling issues through dialogue is essential for regional stability. He noted that both sides discussed challenges facing the Islamic world, with the issue of Palestine as the top priority.

The Prime Minister received a guard of honor at Saadabad Palace in Tehran, where he met with the Iranian President. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Iranian armed forces presented the guard of honor, which the Prime Minister reviewed alongside President Pezeshkian.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Prime Minister arrived in Tehran from Istanbul, on the second leg of his four-nation visit. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and senior Iranian officials.

Meanwhile, in an interview with IRNA, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif noted that bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a significant increase over the past three to four years. Currently standing at three billion dollars, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran is expected to reach ten billion dollars in the coming years.