Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif along with a high level delegation completed a day-long visit to Pakistan with positive note. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed condolences over the death of 11 Iranian border guards. The border guards were killed in clashes with outlaws near Pakistan border in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan. While Iran-based Jaish al-Adl terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack, Pakistan had condemned the attack and made it clear that the incident happened on the other side of the border. The PM also expressed satisfaction at the increasing high-level exchanges between the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. He hoped that the two sides will continue to expand economic interaction for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy and connectivity. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held a meeting with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during which he said Iran believes in the unity of Muslim countries and attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan. Javad Zarif said Pakistan and Iran will have to work together for resolution of problems faced by the Muslim world. He said the two countries also need to move forward with consensus on matters of international importance. Ch Nisar Ali Khan said Pakistan-Iran relations are rooted in common faith, history and geography, adding that Iran is a fraternal country and the hearts of the peoples of two countries beat together.The interior minister said no hurdle will be allowed to come in the way of better relations between the two countries. Javed Zarif lauded the effort put down by Pakistan and other countries in offering mediation between Iran and Saudia Arabia. Zarif noted that the two countries also need to move forward with consensus on matters of international importance. The foreign minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation and will also hold talks with Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.Several other matters including bilateral ties, regional situation, counter-terrorism measures along Pak-Iran border, gas pipeline project and SAARC summit are also expected came under discussion during the meetings.COAS Bajwa also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif following a terror attack that took place a week ago on the Iran-Pakistan border resulting in the deaths of 10 Iranian border guards. Bajwa assured him that Pakistan would keep up efforts to reduce friction amongst Muslim countries. It will be tough for Pakistan to appear balanced in terms of Saudi-Iran relations. On the other hand maintaining good relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran is also very important. Pakistan’s flexibility on joining the Saudi anti-terrorism alliance will put positive impact on relations with both countries. Pakistan and Iran are important neighbors with deep cultural, linguistic, religious and traditional ties. Pakistan and Iran has great potential to improve trade relations. Both sides should take tangible steps to translate this potential into reality. Pakistan should continue its efforts to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran because it will be in the great interest of Muslim world.
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