Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that he is willing to talk with India about key issues. These include the Kashmir dispute and water security. He made this statement during his visit to Iran.
This visit is part of his four-nation tour to thank friendly countries for their support. Pakistan received this support during the recent military conflict with India.
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz arrived at Tehranโs Saadabad Palace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed him with a guard of honour.
At a joint press conference, Shehbaz said, โThe delegations from the two nations had a quite fruitful and constructive meeting… covering all spheres of our mutual interests and cooperation.โ
He added, โThere was unanimous agreement that in every sphere of life, our two brotherly and neighbouring countries must deepen their collaboration in trade, investments, commerce, literally.โ
The prime minister thanked President Pezeshkian for supporting Pakistan during the conflict with India. He highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries.
He said they decided to turn these ties into โvery fruitful cooperation in many spheres of life.โ
Calling Pezeshkian โmy dear brother,โ Shehbaz said, โI greatly value your sense of concern and brotherly warmth for the people of Pakistan and your fervent wish this crisis comes to a grinding stop before it, God forbid, escalates.โ
Shehbaz also praised Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He appreciated Araghchiโs visit to Pakistan during the conflict. He called him an โoutstanding diplomat.โ Shehbaz said they had a โheart to heart talk.โ
Speaking about the conflict, he said, โPakistan emerged victorious from this battle … through our courageous actions by our exceptional armed forces.โ
He added, โWe wanted peace, we want peace, and we would work for peace in the region through negotiations on the table and resolve our outstanding problems, including the Kashmir issue…”
He continued, โWe are ready to talk for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour. If they mean business, we are set to discuss trade and counter-terrorism.”
“But if they choose to remain aggressors, we will protect our land as we have done a few days ago. If they accept my offer of peace, we will show, seriously and sincerely, that we truly want peace.โ
Later, PM Shehbaz met Iranโs Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to PTV News, he briefed Khamenei on the conflict with India. He โprofusely thanked [the] leadership of Iran for supporting Pakistan against Indian aggression.โ
Shehbaz said Pakistan always wanted peace in the region. He believed peace would lead to economic growth and prosperity. Khamenei praised Shehbazโs efforts for regional peace. He appreciated Shehbazโs strong commitment to improving Pakistan-Iran relations.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz landed at Tehranโs Mehrabad Airport. Senior officials received him, including Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moqadam, and Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mudassar Tipu.
Stay tuned toย Brandsynarioย for the latest news and updates