Iran has complete right to peaceful nuclear programme: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that Iran had the complete right to get nuclear power for peaceful purposes, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a press conference along with Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said that Pakistan stood by the principled stance of Iran. 

He further said that both Iran and Pakistan had the same stance on terrorism. “Terrorism is not acceptable in all its forms and manifestations,” he added.

He said that he saluted Iran’s supreme leader as well as the president for raising their voice against the atrocities being perpetrated against the Palestinians by the Israeli forces. “The entire world should make efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said, adding, “The situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir is no different from Gaza.”

PM Shehbaz went on to say that Pakistan strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Iran, which had no justification. “The government of Iran, its armed forces and the people bravely defended their country.”

Speaking on the occasion, Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian said his visit to Pakistan had been successful. “Both countries have inked several agreements,” he said, adding, “Iran wants to expand its cooperation with Pakistan in different sectors.”

The president, on the occasion, thanked PM Shehbaz and the people of Pakistan for the warm reception they gave to him as well as their hospitality. “Pakistan is our second home. The relations between the two countries are based on the common culture and same religion.”

Masoud also thanked Pakistan for the steadfast support it offered to his country during the military confrontation with Israel. “The unity of the Islamic world is the need of the hour,” he said, adding, “The poetry by Allama Muhammad Iqbal is also a torchbearer for the people of Iran.”

The president said that friendly relations with Pakistan were an important component of Iran’s foreign policy. 

Masoud said cooperation between the two countries for improving security on the borders was underway. “I had a discussion with Pakistani leaders on transit routes, sea routes, markets and free economic zones.” The president, on the occasion, invited PM Shehbaz to visit Iran.

Pakistan and Iran ink 12 agreements and MoUs for bilateral cooperation

The exchange ceremony was held in Islamabad on Sunday, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. The agreements and MoUs included cooperation for plant protection and plant quarantine, joint use of Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science, technology and innovation, cooperation in information and communications technology, exchange programs for culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards, MoUs on maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, supplemental MoU to an MoU in 2013 related to air services agreement, MoU on recognition of products certification, inspection and testing, tourism cooperation for 2025-27 and joint ministerial statement on the intent to finalize Free Trade Agreement.