Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting regional peace, Naqvi assures Momeni

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in a meeting on Wednesday that Islamabad would continue its efforts towards lasting peace in the Middle East.

The day before, Iranian President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni. During the visit, the Iranian delegation held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Force Marshal Asim Munir.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior today, the two sides discussed Pakistan-Iran relations and the latest regional situation following the peace agreement.

Naqvi congratulated Momeni for the joint communiqué signed in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, saying the agreement would not have been possible without the sincere efforts of the Iranian government and Momeni’s personal commitment.

“Pakistan has always sought peace and stability in the world,” Naqvi said, adding that Islamabad would continue its efforts towards lasting peace in the Middle East. He expressed hope that the peace agreement would have far-reaching positive implications for the region.

During the meeting, the two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and immigration.

According to a statement, Momeni thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome extended to the Iranian President and his delegation during their visit.

“I will soon undertake a detailed visit to Pakistan, aimed at further advancing cooperation between the interior ministries of the two countries,” the Iranian interior minister said.

Minister of State for Home Talal Chaudhry, Secretary of State for Home, Additional Secretary for Home, Director General of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Commandant of National Police Academy and Director General of National Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) were also present in the meeting.

Read: Pezeshkian praises ‘unyielding and honest’ Pakistani leaders for their support since war began during Islamabad visit

This was President Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan since taking office. The two neighbors have sought in recent years to strengthen economic ties, strengthen border cooperation and increase bilateral trade. The daylong trip was Pezeshkian’s first visit abroad since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February.

The first round of four-way talks involving Iran and the United States, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the deal was signed earlier this week.

On June 18, Prime Minister Shehbaz signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” as mediator, formalizing a major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. Israel, excluded from peace talks, distanced itself from the U.S.-Iran deal and continued to fight Hezbollah in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether the deal would hold.

The United States and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly escalated into a regional conflict that killed more than 7,000 people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon; an increase in energy prices; has reignited inflationary pressures and raised concerns about a major food supply crisis in developing countries.