Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian met here 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.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi along with senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. 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 emphasised 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 on 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 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.
"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," PM Shehbaz wrote on X.
He said, "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." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two prime ministers reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties.
Shehbaz congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Presidency of the 81st UNGA and expressed Pakistan's support for Bangladesh's efforts to advance the objectives of the United Nations. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to further deepen mutually beneficial bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Reciprocating the sentiment, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory and noted his government's keen desire to enhance Bangladesh-Pakistan ties.
They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and emphasised the importance of continued coordination at multilateral fora, particularly the United Nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its broad-based partnership with the European Union and to the full implementation of Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, international law and peaceful resolution of disputes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Pakistani business personalities and professionals based in the United States to invest in Pakistan, assuring them that the government was providing a conducive environment to promote investment and business activities.
The prime minister, while meeting delegations of Pakistani business personalities and professionals associated with information technology, artificial intelligence, automobiles, energy, construction and other sectors, said business personalities and professionals were Pakistan's ambassadors who, through their positive contributions around the world, enhanced the country's image. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, calling the talented overseas Pakistani youth a pride of the entire nation, highlighted that his government was taking all-out measures to empower youth through information technology, artificial intelligence and modern skills.
The prime minister, in a separate meeting with delegations of the US-based Pakistani community and youth, invited them to propose improvements across various sectors and play their full role in the development of Pakistan. Welcoming the delegates, the prime minister, who is in the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, said that he had a firm belief that only the youth could change the destiny of Pakistan.
He welcomed their suggestions for the youth's uplift and assured them of government's full support. The members of the youth delegation appreciated the prime minister for his initiatives aimed at youth development, particularly in the fields of information technology and ease of doing business. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.