ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Islamabad on Tuesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation amid a renewed phase of high-level engagement.

According to a Foreign Office statement, the two neighbors “reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral ties in diverse areas” and agreed to enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Larijani is also scheduled to meet Pakistan’s parliament speaker, prime minister and president later on Tuesday as part of his diplomatic engagements.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival on Monday night, Larijani said Pakistan “plays a key role in the region” and that stronger cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad “helps calm and peace in the region.”

Iranian officials said his consultations in Islamabad will review progress on bilateral commitments, follow up on joint agreements and address regional developments and issues concerning the wider Islamic world.

Larijani’s visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent months.

In August, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid his first state visit to Pakistan since taking office, accompanied by Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and a senior ministerial delegation. The trip saw the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding and discussions aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $10 billion.

In October, Naqvi visited Tehran for talks with President Pezeshkian focused on border security, counterterrorism and regional stability.

In early November, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf travelled to Islamabad for discussions on parliamentary, security and economic cooperation.

Larijani’s ongoing visit marks the latest step in what officials on both sides describe as a renewed effort to consolidate political, security and economic ties.

Articles tagged with "Ali Larijani"

Dar, Larijani hold talks as Pakistan, Iran push to deepen ties