Tehran: Head of the Iran-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Fada Hossein Maleki, emphasized the continuous collaborative efforts of Iran and Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in the region over recent years.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Maleki, in an interview, underscored Iran’s steadfast support for Pakistan and the significant historical and cultural connections between the two countries. The interview was conducted prior to the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Tehran.

Maleki, representing Zahedan in the Iranian Parliament, pointed out that the diplomatic and military engagements between Tehran and Islamabad have been centered on regional stability. He mentioned that the two countries could also enhance their trade and economic cooperation due to their shared borders. The establishment of commercial and industrial towns in border areas was agreed upon in previous discussions to improve security and economic exchanges.

Maleki also noted the recent tensions between India and Pakistan following an attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. He attributed the de-escalation of these tensions to the intervention of Iran and other countries, reiterating Tehran’s call for New Delhi and Islamabad to avoid escalation in the already crisis-prone region.

During Sharif’s visit to Iran, discussions are expected to address various issues, including the Pakistan-India conflict, Iran-U.S. negotiations, Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia, and trilateral cooperation involving Iran, Pakistan, and China.

According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to visit Turkey, Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30.