TEHRAN, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday held separate meetings with the visiting interior ministers of Iraq and Pakistan to exchange views on bilateral ties and regional issues.
In his meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Pezeshkian expressed satisfaction with the bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of exchanging diplomatic delegations and continuing "constructive" consultations between the two countries to deepen and expand all-out bilateral cooperation.
Highlighting what he described as the "precarious" state of the Muslim world, Pezeshkian underscored the urgent need for unity among Muslim-majority countries.
The Pakistani minister, for his part, said Pakistan was one of the first countries to condemn Israel's "aggression" against Iran and to support Iran's "legitimate right to self-defense." He also described Iran-Pakistan relations as "unique and expanding."
During his meeting with Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, Pezeshkian called Iran-Iraq ties "brotherly and based on deep religious and cultural bonds," voicing Iran's readiness to raise the level of cooperation with Iraq in all areas.
He added Iran would continue its efforts to improve unity, solidarity and fraternity within the Muslim world.
He pointed to Israel's "destructive" role in disrupting peace and security in the West Asia region, urging regional countries to resist efforts aimed at sowing division.
The Iraqi minister also congratulated the Iranian nation on its "victorious resistance" against Israel.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, also causing casualties and damages.
After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24. ■
