WANA (Nov 07) – On the third day of his visit to Pakistan, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

 

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf stressed the need to expand economic, political, and security cooperation between Iran and Pakistan during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday, the third day of his visit to the country.

 

Ghalibaf highlighted the importance of implementing agreements reached during the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan. “Now more than ever, we need to strengthen cooperation between our countries and follow up on the agreements signed during the President’s visit,” he said.

 

He emphasized efforts to boost trade between the two countries to $10 billion, calling for further measures in banking, barter trade, free trade zones, border markets, and customs facilitation.

 

“We must remove trade barriers and facilitate commerce. Iran is ready to expand relations; just as we can benefit from Pakistan’s agricultural products, Pakistan can utilize our energy capabilities,” he said, noting that the Iranian government and parliament have taken steps in this direction.

 

Ghalibaf also thanked the people, government, and parliament of Pakistan for their solidarity during the 12-day war, praising their political understanding and support for Iran.

 

Addressing the Iran nuclear program, he noted that attacks on Iran occurred during indirect negotiations with the U.S. in Oman, and that the U.S. has since admitted responsibility. Iran, he said, responded with precision and high-intensity strikes, compelling the U.S. to seek a ceasefire by the sixth day. He criticized Europe for failing to honor agreements reached with the IAEA following the conflict.

 

Ghalibaf accused the U.S. and Israel of dividing the Muslim world, saying: “We respond to imposed wars and reject imposed peace. The Zionist regime, supported by America, does not want any strong or independent country in the Islamic world. This is evident in Syria, Libya, and Lebanon, where daily bombardments continue despite ceasefires.”

 

He emphasized that Islamic countries, through unity and cohesion, can resist U.S. and Israeli overreach. He also expressed Iran’s readiness to assist in resolving tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 

Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Iran-Pakistan solidarity: “Iran and Pakistan have always stood by each other in difficult times. During recent crises, Iran supported Pakistan, and Pakistan stood with Iran during the 12-day war,” he said.

 

Sharif also affirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy program and rejected European efforts for a “snapback” in nuclear negotiations.

 

During the meeting, Ghalibaf presented a precious calligraphy artwork by renowned Iranian calligrapher Seyed Heydar Mousavi, also head of the Iranian Calligraphers Association, as a gift to the Pakistani Prime Minister.

 

The artwork bears the inscription: “Long Live the Friendship of Pakistan and Iran”, a phrase commonly used by Pakistanis expressing admiration for their western neighbor.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Gifts Calligraphy to Pakistan PM. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iranian Parliament Speaker Gifts Calligraphy to Pakistan PM. Social media/ WANA News Agency