President Asif Ali Zardari has had a meeting with the visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Aiwan-i-Sadr, with both leaders discussing bilateral relations and regional peace and security, a statement from the Presidency says.

Pezeshkian has been accompanied by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and other senior officials.

“President Zardari welcomed President Pezeshkian on his first state visit to Pakistan after the recent conflict and noted that the visit reflects the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times,” the statement reads.

President Zardari has congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”.

“The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement adds.

“He stated that Pakistan has consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges.”

President Zardari has also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah, while maintaining strong relations with Gulf countries.

Pezeshkian hqas thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue” and appreciated its support during recent challenging circumstances.

He adds that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and “looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters.”