Pakistan and Iran agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain close coordination on regional peace and security.
NEW YORK, September 24, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with the two leaders reaffirming the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran.
During the meeting, the leaders stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, according to Pakistan’s Press Information Department.
Shehbaz calls for restraint and de-escalation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the prolonged regional conflict and called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.
He also emphasised the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in support of regional peace and stability.
The Islamabad MoU was signed in June 2026 following diplomatic engagements involving Pakistan, Iran and the United States. Pakistan has subsequently continued to support implementation of the understandings reached under the agreement.
Pezeshkian appreciates Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts
President Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and its role in supporting regional peace and security.
The Iranian president also highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, describing them as rooted in shared history, culture and faith.
He reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to expand multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan across various fields.
Pakistan-Iran cooperation
The two leaders underscored the importance of regular consultations and close coordination to address regional challenges and pursue opportunities for greater bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and Iran have previously identified areas including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity as areas for expanding bilateral relations. During President Pezeshkian’s state visit to Pakistan in June, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in these sectors.
The leaders agreed to maintain engagement and work towards regional peace, security and prosperity through continued dialogue and cooperation.
The New York meeting comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducts a series of bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA high-level week, with regional and international developments featuring prominently in his discussions with foreign leaders.