Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian met today (Monday), agreeing to strengthen ties between the two countries. The Iranian Foreign Minister landed in Islamabad early morning for “in-depth talks” with Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Foreign Minister @JalilJilani and Iranian Foreign Minister @Amirabdolahian meet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. They underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive,… pic.twitter.com/LuJeS8NBU9

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 29, 2024

Involvement of the third country

“There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions and areas of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries and they never favour any good action in line with the benefits of the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference alongside interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad. Abdollahian had arrived in Pakistan earlier today, following which he and FM Jilani discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Stress on dialogue and cooperation

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two had “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.

Joint action against terrorism

During a joint press conference, Minister Jilani affirmed that both countries are committed to expanding their relationship and cooperating across multiple sectors.

He stressed the necessity of united efforts against the menace of terrorism, citing it as a shared threat to the stability and security of both Iran and Pakistan. Minister Jilani underscored the importance of respecting national security and sovereignty, expressing a desire to create economic opportunities along the borders.

FM @Amirabdolahian says #Iran’s staple policy is to expand relations with #Pakistan https://t.co/8mlIYwpORD pic.twitter.com/YBo8BqdMAS

— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) January 29, 2024

Security as priority

Iranian Foreign Minister Abdullahian echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the people of Iran and Pakistan as one nation with deep fraternal ties. He asserted that Pakistan’s security is a top priority for Iran, and both nations are resolute in not allowing any space for terrorists.

The ministers discussed measures to counter terrorism during their talks and deliberated on enhancing security at the border, recognizing the shared challenges posed by terrorist activities. “We are here, so in a loud voice we will tell all terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security,” Abdollahian asserted.

Economic opportunities

Minister Jilani further underscored the commitment to solving political and security issues, highlighting economic collaboration as a key aspect. Both ministers discussed the establishment of trade centers along the border, aiming to create economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral trade ties. The diplomats reiterated the depth and strength of the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Iran.

Constructive relations

In closing, Foreign Minister Abdullahian affirmed that both nations have constructive and robust relations. The ministers pledged to work together to ensure the common security of their borders, vowing not to allow terrorists to jeopardize the stability and well-being of their respective countries.

The joint press conference concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future, as Pakistan and Iran expressed their commitment to furthering cooperation and maintaining strong ties for the development and security of the region.

The meeting has happened after Pakistan and Iran mutually launched strikes against each other with Iran killing two kids and injuring three girls and Pakistan conducting an operation named Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar resulting in the death of nine militants. Moreover, 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.

At the outset of his speech, the Iranian minister highlighted that both countries “never had territorial differences”.

“Our historical bilateral relations and connections testify that we are a single nation located in two different geographical positions,” he said.