Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif proposed a four-point solution to help end the Yemeni crisis, which includes getting the involved parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, provision of humanitarian aid to sufferers of the conflict, holding a Yemeni dialogue, and forming a broad-based government.
In a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday, Zarif stressed the need to be "realistic" in addressing the Yemeni issue and said, "Setting preconditions should not delay the process of finding solutions," ISNA reported.
The senior diplomat expressed readiness on behalf of the Islamic Republic to support any diplomatic negotiation-based solution for the Yemeni conflict, emphasizing the significance of cooperation among the countries in the region in this relation.
Referring to the longstanding and deep bonds between the two nations, Zarif said Iran and Pakistan have some common concerns, namely the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group, terrorism, and extremism.
Zarif called for enhanced collaboration on security issues, especially concerning the joint border, which can pave the way for cooperation in other areas.
Sharif said Pakistan is determined to improve bilateral ties with Iran in all areas.
He also voiced concern over the situation in Yemen and stressed the necessity of working out a political solution through negotiations to deal with the issue.
Elsewhere, the Pakistani official congratulated Iran on the recent progress in nuclear talks with the major powers that led to a joint statement on the framework of a final nuclear accord.
Destruction Not a Solution
In a separate meeting with the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan on Friday, Zarif denounced the military assault against the crisis-hit Yemen and said military intervention, bombardment, and destruction of infrastructures cannot help improve the situation in the Arab country.
Zarif also appreciated Pakistan's stance on the Iranian nuclear dispute, IRNA reported.
Highlighting Tehran-Islamabad role in helping address regional challenges, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq pointed to the recent developments in Yemen and said, "The involved parties should be invited to sit down at the negotiation table in an effort to find the most appropriate solution."
The Pakistani official said divergence among Muslims is only in the interest of the enemies of Islam, calling for efforts to foster Islamic unity.
He also urged increased cooperation with Iran in dealing with the IS, terrorism, and illicit drug smuggling, as the common concerns of the two neighboring countries.
In a meeting with the chairman of the Senate of Pakistan on Thursday, Zarif expressed regret about the recent terrorist attack on the joint border this week, which left eight Iranian border guards dead, and called for greater security cooperation between the two countries to prevent similar tragic incidents from happening.
Raza Rabbani, for his part, called for enhanced parliamentary cooperation, utilizing parliamentary diplomacy and increased contacts between the two nations, IRNA reported.
Pointing to the conflict in Yemen, he said the issue is seriously being discussed in the Senate of Pakistan as a major concern for the South Asian country.
