Qureshi holds delegation-level talks with Iran's Zarif

Foreign ministers review spectrum of bilateral relations, share views on important regional and international issues

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held delegation-level talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif in Tehran a day ago, the Foreign Office stated on Thursday.

Qureshi is on a visit to Iran on the invitation of Iran’s top diplomat.

During the discussion, the two diplomats reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, highlighting the commonality of views on important regional and international issues.

FM Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to enhance bilateral relations in all areas to the mutual advantage of both the countries.

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The foreign minister underlined the two countries' vast potential that could be tapped to further strengthen trade and economic relations. He also called for regular exchanges of relevant mechanisms to tap their true potential.

The Pakistani top diplomat expressed satisfaction over the close coordination with Iran at the multilateral fora on issues of common interest.

Drawing the attention to the human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), Qureshi expressed gratitude for Iran’s steadfast and vocal support to the Kashmiris, especially at the highest level.

He also discussed regional security situation with particular focus on latest developments in the Afghan Peace Process. Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent support to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, the foreign minister highlighted convergence of views between Pakistan and Iran on the shared objective of an inclusive politically negotiated settlement.

Qureshi briefed Foreign Minister Zarif on Pakistan’s initiative to combat Islamophobia and thanked him for Iran’s support in this regard. It was agreed that the two countries would continue collaborating closely to counter rising trend of Islamophobia.

Prior to the delegation-level talks, the two foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Establishment of Border Sustenance Marketplaces.

 

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Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Iran for its support for border markets, that will help the local population on both the sides by providing them formal means to engage in mutually beneficial commerce.

The opening of international border crossing point at Mand-Pishin was also highlighted as a step towards facilitating people on both the sides of the Pakistan-Iran border.

The foreign minister left for Iran on Tuesday after completing a successful three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Qureshi will also visit Qatar and Turkey as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to evolve a consensus on the Afghan situation.