Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meets Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif at the PM House in Islamabad on Wednesday. PHOTO: PID
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed on Wednesday condolences over the “tragic” death of 11 Iranian border guards.
"On the tragic incident that took place in the Iranian province of Sistan Baluchestan involving martyrdom of 11 Iranian border security guards on April 26, 2017, the prime minister conveyed serious condolences to the government and people of Iran,” a statement issued after a meeting between the prime minister and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said.
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Zarif arrived in Islamabad to discuss the situation arising out of the border attack, as well as bilateral relations.
The border guards were killed in clashes with outlaws near Pakistan border in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
While Iran-based Jaish al-Adl terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack, Pakistan had condemned the attack and made it clear that the incident happened on the other side of the border.
Iran says will never use its weapons against anyone, except in self-defense
According to the statement, the PM also expressed satisfaction at the increasing high-level exchanges between the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
“He hoped that the two sides will continue to expand economic interaction for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy and connectivity,” the statement read. “In this regard, he underlined the need of concerted efforts from both sides to achieve the target of $5 billion in the bilateral trade as soon as possible.”
Separately, he met Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and was assured that no hurdle will be allowed to come in the way of better relations between the countries. “The relations of the two countries are rooted in common faith, history and geography,” he said.
Hearts of Iranians and Pakistanis, Nisar said, beat together because of the fraternity between the two countries.
The two sides agreed in principle to revive hotline between the border security forces of the two countries in order to resolve any issues at border.
Zarif appreciates army’s efforts against terrorism
Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister also called on army chief General Qamar Bajwa.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, both sides agreed on improving bilateral coordination to deny space to the terrorists.
“Tremendous bilateral cooperation potential was identified in various fields,” the military’s media wing said in a statement. “The visiting dignitary appreciated the efforts of Pakistan and Pakistan Army against terrorism.”
The COAS, according to the ISPR, said Pakistan is committed to have lasting relations with Iran, and will keep up its efforts to reduce friction among brotherly Muslim countries.
Zarif’s visit is particularly important in the wake of General (retd) Raheel Sharif’s appointment as the chief of Saudi-led Islamic military alliance, which apparently does not include Iran.
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