Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who arrived in Pakistan early on Monday, discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The development comes days after tensions escalated between the neighbours following an Iranian air strike in Pakistan, leading Islamabad to strike terrorist hideouts in the neighbouring country’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
While the two countries sought to ease tensions after the deadly cross-border fire, on Saturday nine Pakistani workers were gunned down by unidentified attackers in Sistan-Baluchestan. Pakistan has demanded a comprehensive investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible for the brutal attack.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two “underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive, forward-oriented and upward trajectory in bilateral relations”.
“The two sides agreed to work towards promoting the mutually desired goals of peace and prosperity, based on mutual respect and a collective approach to address common challenges,” it added.
Abdollahian was received at the Nur Khan airbase by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Rahim Hayat upon his arrival in Pakistan. The FO said that the Iranian official would hold “in-depth talks” with FM Jilani and also call on caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar during his visit.
Later, the FO shared photos of Abdollahian being welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by FM Jilani.
