Iran FM meets Qureshi, discuss enhanced cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The PTI-led government is hosting its first foreign dignitary’s visit of Pakistan as the Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said.

The two foreign ministers deliberated on the matters pertaining to regional peace and stability, while pondering over more efficient ways to enhance mutual cooperation between two neighboring countries.

During the meeting, the talks of strengthening ties also came under the discussion, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

Zarif also extended best wishes from the Iranian leadership to the new Pakistani government under Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Thursday on a two-day visit of Pakistan.

High-level Pakistani officials received the Iranian dignitary.

Zarif will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser as well as Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit.

PM Imran has expressed intention to improve and strengthen Pakistan’s ties with neighboring Iran.

Announcing the visit earlier in August, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that the Iran and Pakistan maintain brotherly ties and the two countries are interested in keeping security along the common borders.

A key barometer of the improving ties for Iran is whether Pakistan steps up for the long-stalled Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline—a project first initiated in 1995.

The $7.5 billion project, touted as delivering 21.5 million cubic metres of gas to energy-starved Pakistan, has been opposed by the US for years as part of Washington’s opposition to Iran’s nuclear programme.

Mr Zarif is likely to be keen on re-starting the project, as it will provide much-needed income to an Iranian economy under siege from US sanctions.