President Pezeshkian: Iran Sees Pakistan Not Only as a Neighbor, But as a Brother
Tehran - BORNA - President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed gratitude for the Pakistani government's warm hospitality and the nation's solidarity during Israel’s recent attack on Iran.
"The positions taken by the government of Pakistan, political movements, religious scholars, and the people of Pakistan in response to the Zionist regime’s assault on Iran were a source of comfort to our people. We sincerely thank you," Pezeshkian said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, Pezeshkian noted: "Good neighborliness and longstanding friendship between Iran and Pakistan are deeply rooted in history, and we share strong cultural and religious bonds."
Quoting a verse by Allama Iqbal, the Iranian President emphasized Iran’s strategic commitment to regional diplomacy: "Neighborly relations are a central pillar of Iran’s foreign policy. But Iran does not view Pakistan merely as a neighbor — it sees Pakistan as a brother."
Pezeshkian underlined both sides’ strong will to expand ties across all dimensions. "There is serious and mutual determination to deepen bilateral cooperation. With little time and effort, we can increase the volume of our trade from $3 billion to $10 billion."
He added that valuable agreements had been reached in political, economic, commercial, and cultural fields, and that the two countries had signed key documents to expand cooperation in science, tourism, transport, and trade. “We are determined to turn these agreements into tangible outcomes through continued dialogue,” he stated, adding that both sides held constructive talks on the development of transit corridors — including rail, road, and sea routes — as well as the creation of joint free trade zones and border markets.
Referring to regional security concerns, Pezeshkian noted: “Given the threats posed by terrorist groups in border areas, we emphasized the need for joint efforts to secure the borders. We also share common views on regional and international developments, and we believe that peace and mutual security are the basis for advancing economic ties.”
The Iranian President strongly condemned Israel’s crimes in Gaza and stressed the importance of a coordinated response: “Both sides agree that the ongoing genocide and regional destabilization caused by the Zionist regime must stop. We believe that Muslim countries in the region must join forces to take practical and effective steps to confront Israel. We also discussed regional initiatives aimed at restoring stability.”
Pezeshkian further stated: “These aggressions underscore the urgent need for regional and international consensus to stand against this regime’s unlawful actions. Both countries call on the UN Security Council to avoid double standards and to play a meaningful role in preventing the violation of member states’ sovereignty, the escalation of war, and the killing of civilians.”
Concluding his remarks, President Pezeshkian thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and brotherhood, and officially invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Tehran at the earliest opportunity to continue the bilateral discussions.
End Article