Iran, Pakistan FMs Discuss Relations, Region

Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. 
“It’s important to bolster ties between Iran and Pakistan,” Bhutto Zardari was quoted as saying by ISNA in a joint press conference held after the meeting. 
Bhutto Zardari arrived in Tehran on Tuesday morning for a two-day trip. This was the first time officials from Pakistan’s new government visited Iran. 
During the presser, the Pakistani official noted that an increase in Tehran’s electricity exports could be one of the ways to strengthen relations. Iran currently exports electricity to areas in Pakistan that border it. 
He expressed concern over the circumstances in Kabul, “We’re worried about stability and security in Afghanistan.”
“Our interests lie in the establishment of peace and security in Afghanistan. We believe we need to support Afghanistan at this juncture,” he added. 
Last year, the United States and its allies withdrew from Afghanistan and Taliban forces took over the country. 
Bhutto Zardari also touched on other topics discussed by the ministers, including the possibility of prisoner transfer agreements and Iran’s support for Kashmir and condemned the defamation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in India.  
The top diplomat hoped that Iran and the US could return to the 2015 nuclear deal and create a better atmosphere for more negotiations and regional cooperation. 

Diplomacy Highlighted

In response to Bhutto Zardari’s remarks on the nuclear accord, Amir-Abdollahian stressed that Iranian government welcomed dialogue and negotiations. 
“We do not escape negotiations and diplomacy,” he stated, adding that Iran has proved it is in favor of diplomatic solutions by engaging in the Vienna talks. 
Pointing to the issue of Afghanistan, Amir-Abdollahian said, “Once again, we’re announcing that we believe in the formation of an all-inclusive government.”
Tehran and Kabul have maintained ties since Taliban started ruling the neighboring nation, despite tensions. 
The two officials also discussed the years-long war in Yemen and the current ceasefire as well as Russia’s offensive on Ukraine. 
“We’re against the war continuing in Ukraine and highlight a political solution… by understanding who is responsible for this crisis and its roots,” Amir-Abdollahian said. 
According to him, Iran and Pakistan back one another in international and regional organizations to better realize shared regional interests. 
Trade, tourism and energy exports were among other topics of discussion between the two top diplomats.