Iran, Pakistan Affirm Commitment to Strengthen Relations, Advocate for Diplomacy Amid Araghchi’s Visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conducted an official day-long visit to Islamabad, where he held discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. This meeting was communicated through a press release by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The statement emphasized that both Araghchi and Dar prioritized the importance of maintaining close cooperation to further mutual understanding.

The parties engaged in dialogue on key regional and global issues, emphasizing their mutual dedication to fostering peace and stability in the area, according to the statement.

The ministry reported that Araghchi stated Iran’s eagerness to enhance and strengthen its ties with Pakistan.

Heading a delegation, the Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to engage in discussions with high-ranking Pakistani officials. This visit aligns with Iran’s ongoing policy to enhance relations with its neighboring nations.

In remarks made upon his arrival, Araghchi stated that Tehran and Islamabad are actively collaborating to enhance and strengthen their bilateral cooperation.

He emphasized the significance Iran places on its relations with Pakistan and other regional nations. During his visit to Islamabad, he intends to address mutual relations and regional matters with high-ranking Pakistani officials.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister highlighted the growing unity between Tehran and Islamabad, underscoring their shared historical, cultural, and religious ties as key factors in strengthening their relationship.

Highlighting the positive momentum in bilateral relations, he underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in crucial sectors such as trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity.

Pakistan’s senior diplomat voiced significant apprehensions about rising tensions in South Asia, attributing them to what was described as “India’s provocative behavior.”

He resolutely dismissed baseless efforts to associate Pakistan with a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He stated that Islamabad is advocating for an international, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the event.

He further observed that these allegations seem to be a strategy aimed at redirecting international focus away from the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister reiterated the nation’s steadfast condemnation of terrorism, underscoring the country’s unwavering stance against all manifestations of the threat.

He emphasized Pakistan’s pivotal role at the forefront of combating terrorism, highlighting the considerable sacrifices the nation has made in this endeavor.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations have escalated following the terrorist attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals.

India has attributed responsibility for the attack to Pakistan; however, Pakistan has dismissed these allegations.

In a telephone discussion on April 26, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed strong condemnation of the attack during talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort to combat terrorism.

In a distinct phone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that occurred on the same day, Pezeshkian conveyed significant concern regarding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent attack.