President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday voiced optimism that ongoing technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran would pave the way for lasting peace in the region during talks with visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad.
Pezeshkian’s visit comes days after US and Iranian officials held talks in Bürgenstock under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a Pakistan-mediated agreement signed last week to end months of tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The memorandum provides a framework for a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations on broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security.
The recent talks in Switzerland resulted in a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days and established mechanisms to oversee the implementation of the accord.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, Zardari and Pezeshkian reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and supporting efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Before arriving in Pakistan, Pezeshkian said the visit was intended to thank Islamabad for its role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum and to advance its implementation.