President Asif Ali Zardari met Dr Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday and discussed regional tensions, bilateral ties and political coordination.

Dr Larijani conveyed gratitude for Pakistan’s diplomatic support to Iran during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.

He also delivered goodwill messages from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

President Zardari welcomed Dr Larijani and congratulated him on assuming charge of the Supreme National Security Council.

He said the frequent engagement between Islamabad and Tehran reflects positive momentum in bilateral relations, recalling his August meeting with the Iranian president as a “pleasant and productive” interaction.

The president thanked Iran for its solidarity during Pakistan’s recent floods and acknowledged the relief efforts of the Iranian Red Crescent. He said Pakistan and Iran share deep bonds rooted in history, religion and culture.

Zardari also appreciated Iran’s consistent support for Pakistan during the past conflicts with India.

He reaffirmed Islamabad’s political and diplomatic backing for Tehran in the wake of Israeli aggression. He further praised Iran’s principled positions on Kashmir and Palestine.

Dr Larijani commended the courage and successes of Pakistan’s armed forces in recent security challenges, saying Iran viewed Pakistan’s victories as its own.