Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Imam Syed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that acting Iranian president would follow the path of “cooperation and agreements” signed by late president Ebrahim Raisi with Pakistan.
Khamenei’s remarks came during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, who travelled to Tehran to offer condolences over the sad demise of the Iranian president, foreign minister and other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash.
Only last month, Raisi was in Pakistan on a first visit where both countries agreed to deepen cooperation and sign a number of agreements months after tit-for-tat missile strikes.
The Iranian supreme leader conceded hiccups in the relationship between the two countries in recent years but said despite “ups and downs” there was a possibility of a resurgence in the bilateral cooperation.
According to state run IRNA, the leader of the Islamic revolution, while talking to Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and his accompanying delegation, sincerely thanked the government and nation of Pakistan for their sympathy.
"For the Islamic Republic of Iran, relations with Pakistan are very important, and we view this country as a brother.
Although our relations have seen ups and downs in recent years, we believe there is a possibility for a resurgence of these ties under the new government of Pakistan,” Khamenei was quoted as saying by IRNA.
Referring to the emphasis of the late president on the importance of relations with Pakistan, he added: “Mr Raisi's recent visit to Pakistan can be a turning point in the relations between the two countries, and acting president Dr Mokhber will follow the path of cooperation and agreements.”
Ayatollah Khamenei noted: “Friendly relations between brotherly countries are not always easy, and obstacles must be overcome and the progress of cooperation should be followed seriously and in practice.”
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A statement issued by the Foreign Office said the prime minister visited the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the funeral ceremony of President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and their companions, who embraced martyrdom in a tragic helicopter accident in the Eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran on 19 May 2024.
The prime minister was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
In his meeting with Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the prime minister offered condolences on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan.
Recalling late President Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan in April 2024, the prime minister highlighted his commendable role in advancing Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
The prime minister termed President Raisi as a visionary leader who manifested steadfast dedication to serving his country and his people. He added that President Raisi’s contributions for the unity of Muslim Ummah as well as for the besieged people of Gaza will be etched in history.
He also appreciated the role played by late Foreign Minister Abdollahian in promoting regional peace and dialogue.
The prime minister expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran at this time of national tragedy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood with the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The prime minister also extended an invitation to Ayatollah Khamenei to visit Pakistan.
The prime minister arrived at the hall where the body of the late president was placed.
The prime minister prayed for the high ranks of the departed soul and paid tribute to President Raisi’s contributions towards progress and prosperity of the Iranian nation, promotion of Pak-Iran bilateral ties and efforts for the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condolences, on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, to Acting President Dr. Mohammad Mokhber.
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