Envoy Meets Pakistani FM to Discuss Ties, Region

Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan on Thursday met with the foreign minister of Pakistan in Islamabad to discuss issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, Afghan peace process, and regional security.
Ambassador Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian, who was in Pakistan on an official visit met with Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the foreign ministry.
Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan Mohammad Ali Hosseini was also present in the meeting, IRNA reported.
According to an official statement, both sides during the meeting discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, the Afghan peace process and the law and order situation in the region.
The foreign minister congratulated Iranian leadership and Iranian people on the successful conduct of the recent presidential election in Iran.
He conveyed his best wishes to the newly elected president of Iran, Ebrahim Raeisi.
“Deep fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran have been strengthened in the last few years,” Qureshi noted.
He added the role of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in boosting ties with Pakistan is commendable.
“Pakistan considers peace in Afghanistan essential for peace in the region,” he pointed out.
The foreign minister said Pakistan has been insisting that there is no military solution to the Afghan problem.
“There is a need for a lasting political solution to the Afghan problem through Afghan-led, Afghan owned dialogue,” Qureshi said.
He strongly believed that unrest in Afghanistan has affected both Pakistan and Iran.
The Foreign Minister praised Iran’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
He warned that rising violence in Afghanistan could strengthen spoilers.
Recognizing the support of the international community, Qureshi said that Afghan factions must take immediate steps to make the peace process fruitful through dialogue.
He added peace in Afghanistan will help boost ties in the region, increase trade activity, repatriate Afghan refugees and help regional stability.
This is Taherian’s second visit to Pakistan as Special Representative on Afghanistan. He accompanied Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on his 11th official visit to Islamabad in November last year.