News / Politics

Iran, Pakistan FMs stress closer bilateral, intl. cooperation

Wednesday, 16 November 2022 8:09 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 16 November 2022 8:09 AM ]

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (C) arrives for a joint press statement with his Pakistani counterpart, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (L), at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran on June 14, 2022.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have discussed the latest developments on topics related to bilateral as well as international relations.

In a phone call on Tuesday night, Amir-Abdollahian called for increased cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad about the issue of Afghanistan and especially helping to solve the problem of Afghan refugees.

On another note, he told Zardari that Tehran appreciated Islamabad's position in condemnation of the recent terror attack in the holy shrine of Shah Cheragh.

Amir-Abdollahian also expressed regret and sympathy over the recent flood incident in Pakistan, underscoring that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to support Pakistan's government and people to reduce their suffering.

For his part, Pakistani Foreign Minister referred to the historical and friendly relations between Iran and Pakistan in various fields, highlighting the importance and necessity of developing mutual cooperation on the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

Earlier in July, Zardari said his country attaches importance to close cooperation with Iran on matters relating to Afghanistan, including refugee management, regional security, and institutional mechanisms.

The top Pakistani diplomat also reiterated the importance of continued constructive engagement and practical cooperation with the interim Afghan government in order to promote sustainable peace and security in the region.

The United States and a number of its allies invaded Afghanistan and toppled a Taliban regime there in late 2001 under the pretext of the so-called "war on terror." The invasion and the ensuing war gravely worsened the security situation in the country.

The government of Afghanistan collapsed on August 15, 2021 as then-President Ashraf Ghani fled the country when faced with lightning advances of the Taliban in the midst of a chaotic US withdrawal. On September 7, the Taliban announced the formation of a caretaker government in Afghanistan.

Cooperation between Iran and Pakistan has been on the rise. The two countries are currently on a preferential trade arrangement under which they have sought to reduce some trade barriers and tariffs.

In August, Iran and Pakistan signed four major cooperation documents during the the 21st Session of Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Islamabad. The agreements will cover cooperation between the two countries on maritime issues as well as on media, tourism and ties between their national museums.

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