Pak-Iran ties: Nawaz meets Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday met with the Supreme Leader of Iran Syed Ali Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran during his visit to the country, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department.

“We are Muslim countries with the same traditions. These common bonds make our relationship special,” the premier said during his meeting with Khamenei.

During the meeting, bilateral issues were discussed and both leaders agreed that they will work in harmony to develop the region.

“The people of Pakistan are dear to me like the people of Iran are. I will offer special prayers so that the relationship between Pakistan and Iran reaches new heights,” Khamenei said.

Khamenei added that he is confident that after Nawaz’s visit the relationship between the two countries will improve.

Earlier on Sunday, the premier and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed to continue with the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline project, saying that it is beneficial for the people of both countries.

Nawaz told the Iranian president that he is there with his finance, petroleum and interior teams to resolve all the matters which are creating hindrance in the completion of the project.

Claiming that Pakistan-Iran relations are bound by historical and religious linkages, Nawaz said, “I am here to open a new page in Pak-Iran relationships.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on an official visit to Iran on the invitation of President Hassan Rouhani, in a trip aimed at smoothing ties with its neighbour.

This is the first leadership level visit since the formation of new governments in both Iran and Pakistan.