The ruling junta, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, on Wednesday, urged Iran to keep the door open for negotiations on nuclear talks with the US, saying that dialogue pursued with sincerity could help resolve even the most complex challenges.
He expressed these views during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was also present at the meeting.
Sources said the discussions focused on bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation and the evolving regional situation. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties.
Nawaz Sharif said that keeping the door to negotiations open with generosity could lead to solutions to major issues. He praised Iran for confronting difficult circumstances with courage and resilience and said there were many prayers and good wishes for the country. He added that the Iranian people had always remained part of Pakistan’s collective prayers.
The Iranian ambassador thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s support and expressed appreciation for Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.
Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam said Nawaz Sharif was regarded as a pillar of Pakistan’s security and stability. He described Pakistan and Iran as two bodies sharing one soul and said the Muslim world was in need of leaders of Nawaz Sharif’s stature. He added that such leadership was essential for guiding the Islamic world and promoting stronger Pakistan-Iran relations.
The ambassador said the Iranian nation always prayed for Nawaz Sharif’s health and safety. He noted that Nawaz Sharif was fully aware of regional developments and that, considering Pakistan’s senior role in the region, it was important for the Iranian government and people to keep him informed. He said Pakistan and Iran constituted one region, one community and one nation, with deep-rooted and enduring ties.
The Iranian envoy also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her efforts in resolving issues related to the Persian language and students.
On the occasion, the chief minister invited Iranian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, information technology and tourism, and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening economic and social relations between the two countries.
