Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held delegation-level talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif in Tehran yesterday.
During the discussion, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, highlighting the commonality of views on important regional and international issues.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reaffirmed resolve to enhance bilateral relations in all areas to the mutual advantage of both the countries.
The Foreign Minister underlined that vast potential existed which could be tapped to further strengthen trade and economic relations. He called for regular exchanges of relevant mechanisms to tap their true potential.
The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over the close coordination at the multilateral fora on issues of common interest.
Drawing the attention to the human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed gratitude for Iran’s steadfast and vocal support to the Kashmiris, especially at the highest level.
Foreign Minister Qureshi 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.
The Foreign Minister briefed Foreign Minister Zarif on Pakistan’s initiative to combat Islamophobia and thanked for Iran’s support in this regard. It was agreed that the two countries would continue to collaborate closely to counter rising trend of Islamophobia.
Prior to the delegation-level talks, the two Foreign Ministers signed MoU on Establishment of Border Sustenance Marketplaces. Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked for Iran’s support to border markets, which will help the local population on both sides by providing them with 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 sides of the Pakistan-Iran border.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting Iran on the invitation of Foreign Minister Zarif.
