Iran, Pakistan FMs discuss mutual, global, regional developments

Foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan have exchanged views about the latest developments pertaining to bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Pakistani counterpart, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, held a meeting in Tehran on Monday during which the two countries' top diplomats stressed the importance of making joint efforts to boost stability, security and constructive cooperation in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

In a statement on Monday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit by Qureshi and his accompanying delegation to Tehran is part of the government's policy of outreach in the neighborhood.

It added that the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers held "detailed" talks on "strengthening the already close bilateral relations rooted in common history, culture and people-to-people ties" and reaffirmed the necessity to increase cooperation.

"The [Pakistani] Foreign Minister elaborated that Prime Minister Imran Khan envisions strengthening ties with Iran in diverse fields with emphasis on expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation and development," the statement said.

According to the statement, Zarif reaffirmed Iran's commitment to deepen relations with Pakistan in trade, investment, connectivity and border management.

This is Qureshi's first official visit to Iran.

In a congratulatory message to the Pakistani prime minister in August, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope that the two countries would further improve relations during his tenure.

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"The Islamic Republic of Iran, as always and particularly during the new era, expresses its readiness to expand relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," Rouhani said in his message to Khan.

Late in August, the Iranian foreign minister said Pakistan is an "important" neighboring country to Iran, stressing that no third country can negatively affect relations between the two countries.

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On the first leg of a two-day tour to four countries, the Pakistani foreign minister met Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani and President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul earlier on Monday. At the end of his visit to Iran, Qureshi will set off for China and Russia.

In a post on his Twitter account, the top Pakistani diplomat said he held "productive" talks with Afghan officials.

According to the Pakistan's leading English-language newspaper, Dawn, matters of mutual interest were discussed during a meeting between the Qureshi-led Pakistani delegation comprising Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other high-ranking Foreign Office officials, and the Afghan delegation, which was led by Rabbani.

It added that the foreign ministers agreed on promoting political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

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