Supreme Leader: Iran, Pakistan need to forge ties

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei described the relations between the Iranian and Pakistani nations as deep and heartfelt, and stressed that the relations between the two countries should increasingly develop and strengthen despite hostilities by enemies.

Referring to the historical roots of the ties between the two nations, the Supreme Leader asserted: The dignity and majesty of the Indian peninsula were highest during the time Muslims ruled over it, and the biggest blow that the British stroke in this important area was abolishing the prominent Islamic civilization.

Khamenei praised great Pakistani figures like Muhammad Iqbal Lahori and Muhammad Ali Jinnah and urged the two nations to boost friendly ties, adding, 'Good relations will benefit both countries. However, these relations incite serious animosities from the enemies; however, contrary to the enemies' aspirations, the collaborations and relations should strengthen in different areas.

His Eminence regarded security issues at Pakistan-Iran borders as exigent, and added: The terrorist groups that are responsible for disturbing security at the borders are backed by enemies’ money and arms. The anti-security moves at the frontiers of Iran and Pakistan seek to hurt the friendly relations between the two countries.

In this meeting, with President Hassan Rouhani in attendance, Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan referred to his negotiations in Tehran as effective, and pointed out that during these negotiations, many issues were resolved, and Pakistani ministers also held good talks with their Iranian counterparts.

The Pakistani Prime Minister pointed out that some do not want the relations between Tehran and Islamabad to strengthen; nevertheless, the two nations can overcome the obstacles, and added, 'We will try to make the relations between the two countries stronger than before and we will be in constant contact with the Islamic Republic.'