PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Antalya, Discusses Regional Peace and Bilateral Cooperation

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, with discussions focusing on bilateral relations, regional developments, and efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Pezeshkian exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and discussed the challenges facing the region. Both leaders underscored the importance of regular consultations and close coordination to address common challenges and promote regional peace, security and prosperity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict in the region and emphasised that dialogue, restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement were essential to achieving lasting peace and stability.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of building on the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 2026. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continuing its sincere and constructive diplomatic efforts to support regional peace and stability.

President Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's consistent diplomatic support and acknowledged Islamabad's efforts to promote peace and security in the region. He also reiterated Iran's desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in different fields.

The Iranian president highlighted that relations between the two neighbouring countries were rooted in centuries of shared history, culture and religious bonds, expressing Tehran's commitment to further deepening these longstanding ties.

The meeting took place as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was attending the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, where he is engaging with international leaders on climate change, regional developments and bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan has consistently advocated diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts and maintained that dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for preventing further escalation and ensuring lasting peace in the region.