By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Iran’s foreign minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in his two-day visit to Pakistan as they discussed on Wednesday prospects of bilateral interests and trade prospects. In the meeting wherein Pakistan-Iran relations were cherished and deliberated over, the PM expressed his condolences on the fatalities in Iran due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The PM said the smart lockdown strategy implemented in Pakistan alongside other steps taken to contain viral spread proved beneficial for Pakistan.
Matters such as bilateral cooperation and economic relations between the neighbouring states were brought up in the scheduled meeting today, as well. Reportedly, Iranian FM conveyed the message of their supremo to Pakistani premier expressing his interest in enhancing bilateral trade.
FM Zarif said Iran is interested in increasing the bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in some sectors.
On the other hand, both of them concurred that with peace in Afghanistan, which is contiguous to both the countries, the region will see rising economic cooperation and growing trade aspects.
Prime Minister Khan said there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and noted efforts by Pakistan to contribute to the peace process in long-embattled Afghanistan. He maintained Pakistan will continue its support up until Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process has come to fruition.
Furthermore, the Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, on behalf of his government, said their support to Pakistan for Kashmir cause remains unhindered. Both PM Khan and Iran’s FM noted that in order to maintain peace in the region, both countries will have to work together.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday have agreed to make joint efforts for peace and stability in the region, including Afghanistan. The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, who is currently visiting the country for talks on regional issues in addition to reviewing bilateral ties.
During the meeting, Qureshi said Pakistan and Iran can benefit from regional and other important forums for promoting cooperation in bilateral trade, investment, security and other areas of mutual interest.
He added that durable peace in Afghanistan is imperative for peace and stability in the region. He said the Afghan leadership had a unique opportunity in the form of intra-Afghan dialogue and urged them to not let it go. The two foreign ministers also expressed concern over rising Islamophobia in some European countries and made it clear that a blasphemous attitude, under the guise of freedom of expression, is not acceptable at all.
During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations, promoting bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and the coronavirus pandemic. They also discussed better border management, promotion of mutual contacts and provision of better facilities to Zaireen.
Expressing grief and sorrow over Covid-19 deaths in Iran, Qureshi appreciated the Iranian government’s efforts to control spread of the pandemic. He also apprised his Iranian counterpart of Indian atrocities and gross human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.
In a tweet after the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that he looked forward to “the further growth of close bilateral cooperation across a diversity of fields” between Iran and Pakistan.
