Islamabad, August 31, 2018 (PPI-OT): H.E. Mr. Javad Zarif, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran has held detailed talks with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. He extended best wishes of the Iranian leadership and the people of Iran on the election victory led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. He also congratulated Mr. Qureshi on his appointment as Foreign Minister. Mr. Javad Zarif arrived Islamabad yesterday for a two day visit.
Welcoming his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi noted the potential for strengthening the already strong bilateral relationship. Pakistan and Iran have stood by each other in difficult moments. Both sides underlined the need to promote bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation. Detailed discussions were also held on regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan and US decision to unilaterally withdraw from the JCPOA.
It was agreed to host the next rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Economic Commission at early dates. Useful exchange of views on strengthening cooperation in economic, trade and connectivity sectors, cultural and people to people links, took place. While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through various forums in this regard.
The Foreign Minister stressed that Pakistan greatly values Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strong and unswerving support for the just struggle of the people of Kashmir. As regards JCPOA, while supporting Iran’s principled stance, Mr. Qureshi expressed the hope that remaining parties to the Agreement would uphold their commitments in letter and spirit. This was important given IAEA’s repeated verification that Iran has strictly adhered to the terms of agreement. Foreign Minister added that Pakistan stands with Iran in this hour of need.
Foreign Minister Zarif thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and warm welcome. He also congratulated the Foreign Minister that Pakistan’s strong protest against the blasphemous caricature competition had led to cancellation of the event. Muslim countries needed to confront Islamophobic tendencies with one voice.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
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Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk