President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday received Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Dr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani, at the Presidential House to discuss strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, regional security, and economic cooperation, according to the Presidential House spokesperson.
President Zardari welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him on his appointment as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Highlighting the deep historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, the President praised the continuous exchanges between Islamabad and Tehran as a reflection of positive bilateral relations.
The President thanked Iran for its solidarity and humanitarian assistance following the recent floods in Pakistan, acknowledging the support of the Iranian Red Crescent.
He also expressed gratitude for Iran’s backing during Pakistan’s conflicts with India and reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support to Iran amid Israeli aggression.
Dr. Larijani, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support during the recent 12-day war, lauded the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces, and stated, “Pakistan’s success is our success.”
He also noted that, following the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, instructions had been issued to provide preferential access to Pakistani products, paving the way toward the $10 billion bilateral trade target.
The leaders discussed the need to strengthen the Pakistan-Iran railway link to facilitate trade, tourism, and pilgrim travel, as well as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, emphasising the pursuit of mutually viable solutions. They also exchanged views on regional and international security situations and cooperation against terrorism.
Senior officials from both countries attended the meeting. From Pakistan’s side, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Foreign Secretary, and the Secretary of National Security were present. The Iranian delegation included Ambassador Raza Amiri Muqaddam and officials of the Supreme National Security Council.
The meeting concluded with President Zardari requesting Dr. Larijani to convey his good wishes to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reinforcing the continued diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Tehran.
