ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, with the two leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional peace, Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said.

The two sides reaffirmed the close and long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest, the office said in a statement.

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The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, with Sharif expressing concern over the prolonged conflict in the region and emphasizing the need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability, it said.

The prime minister underscored the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability, according to the statement.

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Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and security and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to further deepening cooperation with Pakistan, the statement said.

The Iranian president also highlighted the enduring relationship between the two neighboring countries, describing it as being rooted in shared history, culture and faith, it said.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and close coordination to address regional challenges and work jointly for peace, security and prosperity, according to the statement.