Pakistan to play its role in strengthening regional peace: PM

TEHRAN: President of Iran Hassan Rouhani officially welcomed Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan at Saadabad Palace after his arrival to the country on Sunday.

The prime minister said during the occasion, “Pakistan is willing to play its role towards strengthening peace and stability in the region.”

The two dignitaries held a joint press conference where Iran appreciated steps taken by Pakistan to deescalate the law and order situation in the region.

The prime minister appreciated the Iranian President for his support on the Kashmir issue. He added that Pakistan did not want any conflict in the region.

He said, “The region cannot withstand another conflict, enough annihilation has occurred already. don’t want a conflict between Iran & Saudi Arabia.”

The prime minister during his joint presser with the Iranian President said, “War between Saudia and Iran should never happen. The issue is complex but can be resolved through dialogue for which I am here.”

The prime minister said, “When I was in New York, I was asked by the US President Trump to facilitate these talks and we will do all that we can. We want to facilitate so that sanctions can be lifted, a nuclear deal can be signed between USA and Iran.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived on an official one-day visit to Tehran on a mission to promote and mediate peace, as well as discussing the security situation of the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister of Iran, Javad Zarif welcomed the Pakistani premier at the airport upon arrival.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari are also alongside the premier.

The prime minister is slated to hold meetings with the President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Detailed discussions will be held on the fractured relations of Saudi Arabia and Iran along with matters pertaining to the prevalent security situation in gulf countries and peacemaking initiatives in this regard.