Tehran, Islamabad Explore Ways to Bolster Ties

IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK

TEHRAN – Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in his two-day visit to Pakistan met senior officials of the country to explore ways to boost cooperation.

Zarif yesterday first met Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed regional security as former called on COAS at the army’s General Headquaters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Zarif discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including Afghan reconciliation process, Pak-Iran border management and border markets.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Bajwa said that enhanced Pakistan-Iran cooperation will have positive impact on regional peace and stability. Zarif appreciated Pakistan’s positive role for regional stability, especially Afghan peace process and pledged to keep working for better relations between two brotherly countries.

Zarif also met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Qureshi, speaking to media along with his Iranian counterpart, said that Zarif would also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Like Pakistan, Iran also desires stability in Afghanistan,” FM Qureshi said, adding that during the meeting, bilateral trade and the region’s situation were discussed.

The foreign minister thanks Iran for backing Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

“Mutual consultation will further improve relations,” Qureshi noted.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Zarif said that his country was satisfied with the support they had received from Pakistan.

“Immigration, counter-terrorism, and other issues were discussed,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Zarif arrived at the Foreign Office for a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Among other issues, the foreign ministers discussed the coronavirus pandemic situation in both countries.Qureshi sorrow and regret over the loss of lives in Iran and praised the country’s efforts in effectively containing the spread of the virus.

Both sides conferred on the development of political, economic, and international cooperation between the two countries.

Referring to the deep historical and cultural interests between the two nations, Zarif voiced Iran’s readiness to expand its relations with Pakistan in all the fields.

He welcomed Pakistan’s decision to open new border markets to develop trade relations between the two countries and added that the Islamic Republic is ready to discuss new ways of trade exchange.

The Iranian diplomat also emphasized the significance of constant consultations regarding the security of border areas.

Pakistani Foreign Minister further maintained that his country seeks to expand economic cooperation with Iran.

Qureshi extended condolences to Zarif on loss of lives in Iran due to coronavirus and lauded the steps taken by the Iranian government to control the spread of virus.

On behalf of Pakistani nation, he paid tribute to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for supporting the just cause of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.

Both foreign ministers expressed concern over the rising trend of Islamophobia in certain European countries, stressing that blasphemy was not acceptable in the garb of freedom of expression.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed the significance of establishing peace and security on common border areas and noted that Pakistan will not allow anyone to take any hostile action against Iran.

Regional developments, issues of the Islamic world, countering Islamophobia, regional cooperation, especially the strengthening of the ECO Organization, joint fight against terrorism and illegal immigration and facilitating pilgrimage, as well as the formation of a joint economic commission in the near future were among other issues discussed during the meeting.

Zarif concluded his visit to Pakistan by meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

During the meeting, Pakistan Prime Minister emphasized the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in stabilizing peace in the region and close cooperation for bringing peace to Afghanistan.

He also called for boosting cooperation in fight against Islamophobia, helping Muslim world and bilateral cooperation.