Pakistan, Iran agree to make joint efforts for peace in region

Durable peace in Afghanistan imperative for peace and stability in region, FM Qureshi tells Iranian counterpart

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Iran agreed to make joint efforts for peace and stability in the region, including in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The matter was discussed in a meeting Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

During the meeting, FM Qureshi stressed that durable peace in Afghanistan was imperative for peace and stability in the region.

"Afghan leadership has a unique opportunity in the form of intra-Afghan dialogue and they should not let this opportunity go,” he added.

The two diplomats also expressed concerns over the tendency of rising Islamophobia in some European countries and made it clear that blasphemous attitude in the garb of freedom of expression was not acceptable at all.

They also exchanged views on bilateral relations, promotion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and the coronavirus pandemic. The foreing ministers also spoke about better border management, promotion of mutual contacts and provision of better facilities to pilgrims.

“Pakistan and Iran can benefit from regional and other important forums for the promotion of cooperation in bilateral trade, investment, security and other areas of mutual interest,” FM Qureshi said.

Expressing grief and sorrow over the deaths in Iran due to Covid-19, the foreign minister appreciated the Iranian government's efforts to control the spread of the pandemic.

The FM also apprised his Iranian counterpart of India's atrocities and gross human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Meanwhile, delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Iran were also held in Islamabad today. The foreign ministers of both the counties led their respective delegations.

The two sides discussed the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and strengthening of contacts between the two counties.

Later, the FM hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Iranian counterpart.

Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood and senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the luncheon.

The Iranian Foreign Minister along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also cut the cake of birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

FM Zarif also planted a sapling at the Foreign Office earlier upon his arrival.

 

FM @SMQureshiPTI warmly received 🇮🇷 FM @JZarif at Foreign Office today.

🇮🇷 FM also planted a sapling @ForeignOfficePk. One-on-one & delegation level meetings will focus on increased bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.@IRIMFA_EN pic.twitter.com/8jhDlvhDgs

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 11, 2020

 

Earlier today Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa alaso reaffirmed Pakistan’s support towards Iran in matters of mutual interest and regional security during a meeting held with Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the army's General Headquarters (GHQ).

The army chief and the foreign minister discussed matters of mutual interest, including the Afghan reconciliation process and Pakistan-Iran border management and border markets.