Islamabad MoU fully acceptable to Iran: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had hailed Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region and conveyed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remained fully acceptable to Iran.

The prime minister was speaking to media representatives alongside his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam after he met with the Iranian president on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Asked about the Islamabad MoU, under which Pakistan had mediated between Iran and the United States, the prime minister said Pakistan's entire leadership was united in its resolve to further accelerate efforts for peace under the memorandum.

The premier also expressed particular concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, saying brotherly and friendly countries were making efforts to reduce the tensions there.

He said he had also discussed the issue with the Iranian president during their meeting and told him that establishing peace in the region was an urgent need of the hour and that Pakistan would, as before, play its role in this regard.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian met on Thursday wherein they exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and agreed to work for regional peace, security and prosperity.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the two leaders underlined the importance of maintaining regular consultations and close coordination to address the prevailing challenges and seize the opportunities.

The two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and underscored the need to further strengthen bilateral Cooperation across all areas of mutual Interest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and emphasized the need for restraint, de-escalation, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

He also underscored the importance of building implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to continue playing sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability.

President Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's principled diplomacy and concerted efforts for regional peace and security.

He also underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith, and reaffirmed Tehran's strong desire to further deepen multifaceted cooperation.

Later in message on X, the prime minister said, it was a pleasure to meet my dear brother, President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, in New York today on the sidelines of UNGA.

"We reaffirmed the deep and longstanding bonds between Pakistan and Iran and our shared desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

"We also had an important exchange on the evolving regional situation. I reiterated Pakistan's deep concern over the prolonged conflict and stressed the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomacy.

"We remain committed to building on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and will continue to play a sincere and constructive role in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region.

"I deeply value President Pezeshkian's commitment to Pakistan-Iran friendship and our close coordination for regional peace at this critical juncture."

Bangladesh PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held constructive discussions on issues of mutual interest, regional and international developments, and potential areas of cooperation for the welfare of the two countries' peoples.

The bilateral meeting was held at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, said a release issued by the PM's Press Wing.

"The two leaders discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-Pakistan bilateral relations and held constructive exchanges on issues of mutual interest, regional and international developments, and potential areas of cooperation for the welfare of the peoples of the two countries," it said.

The two prime ministers emphasised advancing relations between the two countries based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

They also stressed the importance of maintaining regular communication and dialogue on issues of common interest.

(With input from News Desk)