Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday thanked Pakistan’s government and people for supporting Iran during what he described as difficult periods, including the recent conflict with the United States and Israel.

Speaking during a meeting with visiting Pakistani Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Ghalibaf expressed appreciation for the participation of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation in ceremonies honouring Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Irna, the meeting took place on the sidelines of funeral ceremonies being held in Tehran for Khamenei and other martyrs.

According to Iranian state media, Ghalibaf praised Pakistan for standing by Iran during times of crisis.

“Friendly nations stand together in difficult times, and we are always grateful to the people and officials of Pakistan for their support,” Ghalibaf said, adding that Pakistan had remained a friend of Iran in both prosperous and challenging periods.

Gilani, who is leading a Pakistani delegation attending the funeral ceremonies, conveyed condolences to the Iranian people and leadership over Khamenei’s death.

Recalling his previous visits to Iran, Gilani said he had attended the funeral of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly and had returned to the country several times during his tenure as prime minister and in other official capacities.

He said he had witnessed significant changes in Iran over the years and described the country’s development as substantial.

Gilani expressed confidence in Iran’s future, saying the country’s progress would contribute to peace and stability in the wider region.

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation and expanding exchanges between the two countries at both the official and public levels to deepen bilateral ties.