FM Qureshi, Iranian counterpart discuss bilateral ties; regional situation

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday underlined that the Pakistan-Iran border was a border of peace and Pakistan will spare no effort to keep it this way.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif here in his office, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Dr Javad Zarif arrived in Islamabad last night on a day long official visit to Pakistan. This was his second visit to Pakistan after the formation of the new government in Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while welcoming his counterpart expressed his desire to strengthening the existing strong bilateral relations.

While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through the established multipronged mechanism between the two countries.

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that Pak-Iran relations were deep rooted in complete trust and solidarity.

The detractors would not succeed in weakening our mutual resolve to further strengthening our cooperation, he added.

Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that this objective could only be achieved through better communication, mutual trust and understanding.

He stressed that Pakistan greatly values Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's strong and unswerving support for the just struggle of the people of Kashmir.

He said frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries manifested the warmth in bilateral relations.

Pakistan and Iran enjoy close brotherly relations. Both countries have stood by each other in difficult moments. Growing challenges in the region provide both Pakistan and Iran an opportunity to work even closer.

Both sides underscored the need to promote bilateral relations in all areas including political, economic and defence cooperation.

Detailed discussions were also held on regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan and ways to work together in the wake of re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran.

Foreign Minister Zarif thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and warm welcome.