At the reception in celebration of this momentous occasion, along with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, he said that he was eager to attend and be part of it. “It is a great pleasure for me to be here today as we celebrate the 46th anniversary of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Minister extended his warm wishes to the people of both countries, hoping for Iran’s continued peaceful, progressive, and prosperous days. “On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I extend my sincere and respectful greetings to His Eminence, the Supreme Leader of Iran, who is held in high regard by the Pakistani populace.
Aurangzeb underscored the deep and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran, which have stood the test of time and geography. He pointed out that the relationship has been cultivated through centuries of connections between the people.
He further added that this bond is unique, as people on both sides of the border share a strong sense of connection. Whether at the political or governmental level, this connection is deeply ingrained in the collective awareness of both nations.
While recalling the historical contacts, the minister reminded everyone that it was Iran, as a country, which was the first to acknowledge Pakistan as a free nation on August 22, 1947, which in fact also comes alive in the memory of Pakistanis.
He reiterated that the new leadership of these two nations aimed to make relations warmer and even friendlier on a firm, strategic partnership and such engagement has been achieved through regular interaction at the levels of heads, including collaboration across regional and world issues.
In briefings on bilateral recent contacts, Aurangzeb stated that the Prime Minister of Pakistan had met the President of Iran at the United Nations General Assembly. The minister extended his greetings to the people of both countries, saying that he wished for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of Iran. “A deep respect and regard of the Pakistani masses hold His Eminence for the Supreme Leader of Iran, and on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I convey my deepest and respectful regards,” he added.
Aurangzeb underlined the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Iran, which transcended time and geography. According to him, the people-to-people contacts over the past centuries had nurtured the ties between the two nations.
He further emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is unique in that people on both sides of the border share a strong sense of affinity. Whether at the political or governmental level, this bond remains deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of both nations.
Recalling the history of their relationship, he recalled that on 22nd August 1947, when other countries, not even Iran, there in the lists, Iran had recognized Pakistan as a sovereign country and this act remains fresh in the hearts of the people of Pakistan.
He reaffirmed that the leadership of both nations are committed to convert these warm and cordial relations into a robust strategic partnership. The high level of interactions, frequent, close coordination on regional and global issues is testimony to this commitment.
Mentioning more recent interactions, Aurangzeb said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan did meet the President of Iran on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA in New York in September 2024 and subsequently did so during the D-8 Summit in Cairo in December 2024.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan also visited Tehran from July 30 to 31, 2024, for the inauguration ceremony of President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. In return, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went to Pakistan from November 4 to 5, 2024.
The minister also mentioned the visit of Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, to Pakistan on January 19, 2025, for strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
He mentioned the visit of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in April 2024, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation, further strengthening bilateral ties.
The finance minister concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to developing solid and long-term relations with Iran, based on mutual respect and shared aspirations for regional stability and development.
