TEHRAN – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who visited Iran on Tuesday at the head of a high-ranking military and political team to defuse tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, said Islamabad has always been seeking to broker unity and amity between Muslim countries.

“Pakistan has always been seeking to strengthen unity, brotherhood, and friendship among Muslim brothers and working for resolving tensions and differences,” Sharif said in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani.
Prime Minister Sharif also said the spread of Islamophobia in the world is “very worrying”, noting that extremists and terrorists are misusing lack of unity among Muslim nations.
“The Iranian move in the nuclear negotiations is praiseworthy for its prudent approach,” he remarked.
The Pakistani leader also congratulated Iran on the success of nuclear talks, calling it an outcome of wisdom and prudence on the part of Iran.
For his part, President Rouhani noted that the volatile situation in the region and the larger Islamic world necessitate the formation of a bloc which says “no” to war while contributing to the progress of Islamic nations.
President Rouhani added creating rift among Muslims is despicable. “We want an increased unity and integrity among Shias and Sunnis and are ready to cooperate with regional countries in the campaign against extremism and sectarianism.”
On the emerging differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Rouhani said, “We seek a development of relations (with Saudi Arabia) and do not welcome tension provided that the rights of the Muslim people are respected….and diplomatic regulations are observed.”

---Iran prioritizes expanding ties with neighbors-

Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri also said expansion of ties with the neighboring and Muslim countries is among Iran’s most important priorities.

During a separate meeting with the Pakistani prime minister, Jahangiri highlighted the importance of expanding economic ties in light of the implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

He also said that terrorist acts should be countered through cooperation.

The Islamic countries can portray the actual image of Islam through unity and integrity, the vice president added.

Sharif said that Pakistan is ready to expand relations with Iran and highlighted the important role of Iran in resolving problems in the world of Islam.

NA/PA