Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has told Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif that the two countries should work together against “terrorists.”
“It is necessary for Iran and Pakistan, as two friendly neighbors with common border, to have strong cooperation to guarantee the security of the countries’ borders and prevent activities by the terrorists,” Zarif was quoted by Iranian news agencies as saying at a March 12 meeting with Asif in Islamabad.
Zarif arrived in Pakistan on March 11 with a large delegation of politicians and business leaders.
He also was scheduled to meet with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and other top officials during his three-day visit.
The Iranian foreign minister also was scheduled to address a think tank on relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Zarif’s visit was "part of regular bilateral political consultations held between both sides.”
Pakistani media quoted Zarif as saying that Iran’s territory will not be used against Pakistan.
Speaking to journalists, Zarif said Iran's relations with Pakistan's regional rival India are not aimed against Pakistan.
Pakistan and Iran have had close ties. But tensions have risen since Pakistan announced it was sending a "contingent of troops" to train and advise Tehran’s regional rival, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia leads a coalition of Arab states that are fighting against Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.