TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Monday touched on Pakistan’s special position in the Islamic world in a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the need for joint and effective activities with Iran to stop the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
The Leader pointed to Pakistan’s “very good and strong position” on the Palestinian issue, saying: “While there have always been temptations in recent years for Islamic countries to have relations with the Zionist regime, Pakistan has never been influenced by these temptations.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also underpinned the great potential of the Islamic Ummah for greater power in the world. 
“Where warmongers in the world have many motives to create discord and war, the only thing that can ensure the security of the Islamic Ummah is unity among Islamic countries and promotion of relations among them,” he said. 
Ayatollah Khamenei called Palestine the first issue of the Islamic world, as he touched on the deplorable conditions in Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza has reached a point where ordinary people in Europe and the U.S. are protesting against their governments by holding demonstrations, but unfortunately, some Islamic governments are standing by the Zionist regime.”
Iran and Pakistan, the Leader said, can have an impact in the Islamic world by working together and steer the Palestinian issue off the current wrong path.
“We are optimistic about the future of the Islamic world, and many events confirm our optimism,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.
Relations between Iran and Pakistan have always warm and brotherly, the Leader said, citing Islamabad’s “good positions” during the Iraqi imposed war of the 1980s against the Islamic republic as an example.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the current level of cooperation between the two countries in various aspects is lower than expected.
“The two countries can help each other in many areas, and we hope that this visit will help to expand all-round communication in various fields, especially economic, political, and cultural domains,” he added.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also emphasized the need for cooperation between Iran and Pakistan to make the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) more active.
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his satisfaction with the end of the recent military encounter between Pakistan and India, hoping that they would resolve their differences.

Prime Minister Sharif voiced great pleasure at meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and appreciated the positive role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in defusing the recent crisis that arose between Pakistan and India. 
He also pointed to the war on Gaza, saying “Unfortunately, the international community is not taking any effective action to end the Gaza disaster”.
Sharif further touched on his good and constructive talks in Tehran and expressed hope that his visit would pave the way for further expansion of relations between the two countries.
Before arriving in Tehran, Sharif hailed Iran’s peace diplomacy as commendable, underscoring his nation’s solidarity and support for the Islamic Republic.
Sharif stated that the primary purpose of his visit to Tehran was to express gratitude to Iran for its support, specifically endorsing Iran’s peace-seeking positions in the region, during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India.
“Islamabad and Tehran will continue to support one another on issues concerning the Muslim Ummah and to advance regional cooperation,” he said. 
Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian said the border between Iran and Pakistan must be safeguarded against any sort of insecurity and terrorism.
“We believe that the common borders of the two countries should be free from insecurity and the presence and activities of terrorist and criminal groups,” he said in a joint press conference with Sharif.
He said the two countries share a stance and are resolved to promote security and fight elements behind insecurity along the borders.
“Iran welcomes the establishment of a ceasefire and peace between Pakistan and India. Undoubtedly, the settlement of disputes through dialogue and peaceful methods is a prerequisite for sustainable development and the establishment of security in the region and the world,” Pezeshkian stated.
He said West Asia and South Asia currently need security and peace more than ever, which underlines the need for consultations and positive interaction with the neighboring countries and other international partners.
Pezeshkian also hailed historical relations between Tehran and Islamabad, which he said are rooted in cultural and civilizational bonds.
He said Iran and Pakistan have a common stance on issues related to the region, the Muslim world, and international developments.
Prime Minister Sharif said his country firmly supports Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
He reiterated his country’s determination to promote peace and trade and fight terrorism, saying that Pakistan would never allow anybody to misuse its territory to carry out a measure against Iran.
He also voiced Islamabad’s keenness to increase trade and economic ties with Tehran to at least $10 billion.
Sharif also condemned the Israeli regime’s crimes against the oppressed people of Gaza and said Pakistan will stand by the Palestinian people until full liberation of their homeland.
Heading a delegation, the Pakistani prime minister arrived in Tehran on Monday at the invitation of the Iranian president. He started a four-leg regional tour on Sunday by traveling to Turkey, and also plans to visit Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.