Special Correspondent: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and lauded Pakistan’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis, saying the Pakistani nation had shown “strength and support” for Iran and had remained “honest and adamant” in its efforts to extend backing.

In a joint press conference alongside PM Shehbaz, the Iranian president expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, saying Islamabad had acted with sincerity and consistency in its efforts to support peace. President Pezeshkian, in his statement, said relations between Iran and Pakistan had long been based on mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, adding that recent developments had further strengthened that bond. “At a critical historical juncture that the region is facing multiple challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening regional stability is the manifestation of a brotherly and forward-looking attitude,” he said.

He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their support during testing times and appreciated the warm welcome extended to him.

Recalling his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pezeshkian said discussions focused on regional developments and bilateral relations. He said both sides were determined to use the “positive atmosphere” to open a new chapter in relations and expand cooperation based on shared interests.

The Iranian president said lasting peace, stability and development in the region could only be ensured through “frank and honest dialogue” and cooperation based on mutual respect, adding that Iran was ready to offer Pakistan a “hand of friendship” for building a new regional security framework.

He also appreciated the role of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt in supporting the peace process, and called for greater unity among Muslim countries, saying they should form a “united front.” Pezeshkian said both countries shared a strong resolve to deepen economic ties and urged the removal of obstacles to implementing existing agreements.

He also invited PM Shehbaz to attend the commemoration of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to follow up on bilateral agreements. Lauding Pakistan’s mediation efforts, he said that from the beginning, the Pakistani nation had shown strength and support for the Iranian people and had remained honest and adamant in its efforts to extend that support.

“If it wasn’t for the efforts made by your excellency and your team, we wouldn’t have been here,” the Iranian president said. PM Shehbaz, in his remarks, praised President Pezeshkian’s “visionary and sagacious leadership” and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expressing hope that it would usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.