Iran FM heads for Pakistan to discuss mutual ties, regional issues
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Tehran for Islamabad to hold talks with high-ranking Pakistani officials.
Heading a delegation, Araghchi departed for Islamabad on Sunday in line with Iran’s policy to promote relations with its neighboring countries.
The top Iranian diplomat plans to exchange views with senior Pakistani officials on mutual relations, including promotion of economic, trade and border security cooperation, in addition to the latest regional and international developments.
Speaking to Press TV on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Araghchi will visit Pakistan and India this week as part of Tehran’s ongoing consultations with regional countries.
Araghchi’s visit shows deep-rooted, strong Tehran-Islamabad relationship: Pakistan
Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Araghchi’s high-level official visit to Islamabad, saying it reflects the “deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran.”
The Iranian foreign minister’s trip also underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, it added.
The ministry explained that both sides are scheduled to exchange views on regional and global developments.
According to the ministry, Araghchi will call on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
It noted that Tehran and Islamabad enjoy close bilateral relations rooted in shared history, culture, and religion.
“The visit of Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to further strengthen the existing ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries,” the ministry said.
Araghchi’s visit important step to draw up a roadmap for long-term cooperation: Ambassador
Iran’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moqaddam, said on Sunday that the foreign minister’s visit would be a major stride towards drawing up a roadmap for long-term bilateral cooperation.
He added that Iran and Pakistan are two important neighbors and influential countries in the region that have consistently prioritized constant meetings and consultations based on the regional and international developments.
He emphasized that economic and border interaction, terrorism, as well as regional and international issues, necessitate that Iran and Pakistan engage in talks whenever possible.
Amiri Moqaddam emphasized the importance of the top Iranian diplomat’s day-long visit to Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing crisis in West Asia fueled by the escalation of Israel’s aggression, supported by the West and the United States.
He pointed to the suffering of the oppressed people of Gaza, the passive response of international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council, and the rising tensions in the subcontinent.
