"The Prime Minister stressed the need to ponder the ways and means to bring an end to the conflict at the earliest by peaceful means," a statement from Sharif's office said after the meeting with Zarif.
Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif here on Thursday.
Bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern came under discussion during the meeting. The Prime Minister stated that Iran is a brotherly nation and an important neighbour with which the government and people of Pakistan desire friendly and co-operative ties. The Prime Minister expressed serious concerns on deteriorating situation in Yemen, which he said, is so grave that it may endanger fellow Muslim countries. Besides, the loss of innocent lives, the crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world, he said.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to ponder on the ways and means to bring an end to the conflict at the earliest by peaceful means. He emphasised that it was incumbent on all Muslim countries to use their influence to counsel restraint and promote a spirit of mutual accommodation.
Referring to the debate in the joint session of the Parliament, the Prime Minister stated that the people of Pakistan held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and would stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Saudi Arabia if its territorial integrity is violated.
The Prime Minister expressed concerns on the overthrow of a legitimate Yemeni government by non-state actors by use of force. The Prime Minister stated that it was the shared responsibility of all States to refrain from actions that disturb peace and stability.
The Prime Minister informed the Foreign Minister of his efforts to promote peace in Yemen with the help of other Muslim countries. He expressed the hope that the leadership of the Muslim countries would recognise the continuing conflict in Yemen, which is a serious threat to the Ummah and, therefore, they must work together to find a negotiated settlement of this issue.
The Foreign Minister of Iran agreed on the need to work towards an early settlement of the conflict and presented his government's perspective on exploring different options for resolving the crisis in Yemen. Foreign Minister Zarif briefed the Prime Minister on the understanding his country had reached with the P5 +1 on the nuclear issue.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the peaceful resolution of the issue and wished further success in conclusion of a comprehensive agreement by June 2015. Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Alireza Haghighian; Governor General Sistan-Balochistan, Ali Osat Iashemil; and Advisor of the Minister and Deputy of Media Diplomacy, Sayyed Mohammad Ali Hosseni accompanied the Minister.
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security, Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Tariq Fatemi; Secretary to Prime Minister Javed Aslam and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
Recorder Report adds: Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zareef and Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Raheel Sharif discussed Middle East situation at GHQ on Thursday.
According to ISPR, both the sides discussed regional security with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East. They also discussed Pak-Iran border management and defence and security co-operation.
Pakistan has asked Iran to share information on the killing of eight Iranian border guards by militants, so it can be ensured that they were unable to flee across the porous border.
During the meeting, ISPR stated that the unity and integrity of Muslim Ummah and greater harmony amongst the Muslims was emphasised. The Iranian Foreign Minister appreciated achievements of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and paid rich tributes to Pakistan's sacrifices in bringing peace and stability in the region. Earlier, on his arrival at the General Headquarters, the Iranian foreign minister laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha.