Ashgabat, December 12,2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a meeting on the sidelines of the International Year of Peace and Trust conference.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was held in a “warm and cordial” atmosphere, with both leaders appreciating the support their countries had extended to each other during episodes of external aggression earlier this year.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the momentum generated by the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, and underscored the need to further boost bilateral trade, operationalise border markets, enhance border security, and improve transport connectivity — particularly through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail corridor.
The two leaders also exchanged views on major regional and global developments. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and stressed the need for the Afghan Taliban authorities to take “meaningful action” to address Islamabad’s security concerns.
Both leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and ongoing peace efforts in the region.
President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz for the “useful and timely” exchange of views and expressed Iran’s desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
The meeting, officials said, reflected the “close and brotherly” ties between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in shared history, culture and faith. Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements to further solidify relations.
PM Shehbaz also conveyed warm regards and good wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
