Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, saying the interests and destinies of Iran and Pakistan are more closely intertwined than ever. In the message, published on August 14, he said this reality had doubled the need for closer coordination and cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad.

Pezeshkian described the anniversary as a valuable opportunity to recall the achievements of Pakistan’s great nation. He also called it a new juncture for deepening the long-standing and strategic relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Iranian president said the countries’ deep historical, cultural, civilizational and people-to-people ties were valuable assets for opening a brighter horizon in bilateral relations.

The president said Iran remained firmly determined to strengthen relations with Pakistan. He said Tehran was prepared to take more effective steps to reinforce bilateral ties and safeguard the common interests of both nations, based on mutual trust and respect and by using the extensive capacities already available between the two countries.