Iranian FM arrives in Pakistan to strengthen bilateral ties, discuss regional developments
ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday, the Pakistani foreign office said, with his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional developments amid Islamabad's soaring tensions with New Delhi.
Pakistan and Iran enjoy close ties and have signed several pacts in trade, energy and security in recent years. The two countries have also been at odds over instability on their shared porous border, but have quickly moved to ease tensions each time.
Araghchi's visit comes in the background of surging tensions between India and Pakistan after the Apr. 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge which Islamabad strongly denies. Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbors who have announced a raft of punitive measures against each other, while their forces have exchanged fire along their de facto border in Kashmir for 10 consecutive days.
'Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on an official visit,' the Pakistani foreign office said, adding that he was received by Additional Secretary West Asia Syed Asad Gillani, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan and other senior officials.
'He will hold important meetings with the Pakistani leadership including the president, prime minister and the deputy prime minister.'
In an earlier statement on Sunday, the foreign office said Araghchi's visit reflects both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. It said that the two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments.
Iran has offered to mediate the crisis between Pakistan and India, with Araghchi saying his country is 'ready to use its good offices' to resolve the standoff. The offer came amid fears that India may carry out limited airstrikes or special forces raids near the border with Pakistan. A Pakistani minister said last week that Islamabad has 'credible intelligence' India is planning to attack Pakistan within days.
Pakistani leaders, who have already reached out to foreign capitals over India's aggressive posturing since the Kashmir attack, are expected to discuss with Araghchi the latest crisis with New Delhi.
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