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Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari called on Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei, here in Tehran today on the eve of International Conference on Global Fight against Terrorism being held in Tehran and discussed the various challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and the need to bring unity in their ranks to effectively tackle the problems.
President Zardari and the Iranian supreme leader also exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of concern besides fight against militancy and the enhanced bilateral cooperation between Iran and Pakistan.
The President said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its cordial equation with Iran and regards Iran as an important friend and player in the region, he said and added that the ties between the two countries are rooted in historical, cultural and religious bonds.
The President during the meeting said that Pakistan accords priority to deepen and strengthening regional engagements for the stability, peace, development & shared prosperity of the region.
The President said that our approach on ongoing developments in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region was based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states and that of non-intervention and non-interference.
The President said that unfortunately, the Islamic world was, once again, passing through a period of instability and turbulence. The Organization of Islamic Conference could play a decisive role in dealing with the challenges presently confronting the Ummah, he said. Peace, stability and order in the Islamic world was extremely important and needs to be safeguarded at all costs, he emphasized.
Those who were present during the meeting included President’s daughter Ms Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, interior Minister Rehman Malik, Petroleum Minister Dr. Asim Hussain, Pakistan’s ambassador in Iran Mr. Khalid Aziz Babar and spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar.
Iranian President Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also present during the meeting.
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