by Pakistan
Imran finds consultations with Rouhani very encouraging; Says war between Iran, Saudi Arabia to serve vested interests; Ways to enhance Islamabad-Iran deep strategic ties discussed
Observer Report
Tehran
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday said that the regional issues have to be resolved through regional means and dialogue. Any goodwill gesture will be responded with a goodwill gesture and good words.
The President was addressing joint press conference with Prime Minister Imran Khan after their meeting in Tehran on Sunday during his one-day official trip.
“I told Prime Minster Imran we welcome any gesture by Pakistan for peace in the region and appreciate his visit to our country,” said Rouhani. He said that the two leaders had discussed, among other things, the war in Yemen and the sanctions by the United States on Iran. “We also discussed how the nuclear deal could be restored,” added Rouhani.
Rouhani warned that Iran would respond to any threats, saying it was a “big mistake” to think it wouldn’t do so, according to the Associated Press.
For his part, President Rouhani appreciated PM Imran’s decision to visit Iran and play a part in defusing rising tensions in the Middle East. He expressed optimism that Imran’s visit would have a positive outcome for the region and beyond, saying that Iran will make sure that any goodwill gesture is responded to with a goodwill gesture.
“In our meeting today, we discussed ways to enhance deep strategic relations between our brotherly countries. We also discussed a variety of issues which Tehran considers very significant for the region and the world,” said the Iranian president. Rouhani said he was hopeful that Pakistan and Iran could work together for regional peace. “We also discussed the developments in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman which are very critical regions. We have conveyed Iran’s concerns on developments taking place in the region and also this Friday’s attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea,” he said, adding that an investigation is being carried out to ascertain responsibility for the attack.
Rouhani said that both leaders agreed that the key to establishing peace in the region was to stop the war in Yemen. He added that discussions were held on the US sanctions and how the Iran nuclear deal could be returned to its previous position.
He said it was imperative that the US returns to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and lifts its sanctions on Iran.
Prime Minister Imran thanked Rouhani for speaking up for the people of occupied Kashmir at the UN General Assembly in New York, where the two leaders also held a meeting on the sidelines.
