ISTANBUL 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing diplomacy for regional stability and peace.

The meeting came on the sidelines of the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Azerbaijan's city of Khankendi.

The two leaders “reviewed bilateral cooperation and also discussed the regional situation in the wake of the recent Israel’s illegitimate aggression,” Prime Minister Sharif wrote on X.

Sharif “appreciated President Pezeshkian’s bold and sagacious leadership during the Israeli aggression against Iran and welcomed the ceasefire that is vital for peace and stability in the region.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with the Iranian people and government, emphasizing the country’s dedication to regional peace and urging dialogue and diplomacy as the sole means to reduce tensions.

His remarks came in the wake of a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which erupted June 13 when Israel launched air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.

Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes, while the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The conflict ended under a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.