President Asif Ali Zardari expressed hope on Tuesday that ongoing technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran would lead to lasting peace in the region as he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad during a visit focused on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum.
Pezeshkian's Visit and the Islamabad Memorandum
Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan days after US and Iranian officials met in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a Pakistan-facilitated agreement signed last week after months of conflict between Washington and Tehran. The memorandum established a framework for a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations toward a broader settlement of disputes such as Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and regional security issues. The talks in Switzerland produced a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days and established mechanisms to support the implementation of the accord.
Before his arrival, Iran’s government quoted Pezeshkian as saying his visit was aimed at appreciating Islamabad’s role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum and advancing its implementation.
Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Bilateral Ties and Regional Peace
“President Zardari, President Pezeshkian reaffirm commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and regional peace,” a statement from the Pakistani president’s secretariat said after he met the visiting leader. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties, regional peace and security, regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest, according to the statement.
The Pakistani president congratulated his Iranian counterpart on signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and hoped the ongoing technical-level negotiations would result in permanent peace in the region. “He also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region,” the statement said.
Military Leadership Engages on Peace Initiatives
Earlier, Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also met Pezeshkian shortly after he arrived in Islamabad, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. The two discussed regional developments and exchanged views on peace initiatives. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Details of the Bürgenstock Talks
The peace talks at the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock on Sunday were the first formal negotiations between Iran and the US since April. Pakistan and Qatar, who acted as mediators, said the meeting produced a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days and established mechanisms to support implementation of the accord. They also agreed to establish a communication line to help ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and a “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon to end fighting there.
Pakistan has played an important role in mediating between the US and Iran. Islamabad hosted the first round of direct talks between both sides in April and also brokered a fragile ceasefire between them the same month.
