ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met with President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, and the rising tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam incident.
President Zardari welcomed the Iranian foreign minister and underscored the importance of fostering cooperation between Pakistan and Iran to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. A press statement issued after the meeting noted that both leaders emphasized the mutual need for stability and diplomatic engagement amid the escalating conflict.
Araghchi, who was in Pakistan on the orders of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, expressed Iran’s understanding of Pakistan’s position on the current situation. He urged both nations to exercise restraint and take steps to de-escalate tensions.
The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan remained a top priority for Iran, particularly in expanding trade and fostering economic cooperation. He also addressed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, assuring Pakistan that Iran would work in close coordination on regional issues.
In response, President Zardari expressed gratitude for Araghchi’s visit during this critical time and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. He also expressed concerns over India’s aggressive stance, which he said posed a threat to regional peace and stability.
The two leaders also discussed the worsening situation in Gaza, condemning Israeli human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed grave concerns over India’s provocative actions. PM Sharif offered to hold an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, emphasizing that such baseless accusations could not derail the region's stability.
The meeting reflected the shared commitment between Pakistan and Iran to promote regional peace and collaborate on mutual security concerns.
