Iran Eyes Cooperation with Pakistan for Afghan Peace
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The president of Iran expressed the country’s willingness to work with Pakistan in helping the peace process in neighboring Afghanistan.
“Iran and Pakistan, as the most important and influential neighbors of Afghanistan, need to play a role in the management of peace process in that country through interaction and cooperation,” President Hassan Rouhani said in a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi, held in Tehran on Wednesday.
He also noted that Iran welcomes cooperation with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the fulfillment of its role in the Afghan peace process.
The president also pointed to the US’ decision to withdraw forces from Afghanistan, saying the American military presence in the region has not given any help to security and stability.
Stressing the need to ensure regional peace and stability via regional mechanisms, Rouhani said border security is a common concern of Iran and Pakistan that should be addressed with mutual cooperation.
He also called for efforts to implement the previous agreements between Tehran and Islamabad, noting that Iran is ready to satisfy Pakistan’s demands for energy.
For his part, the visiting Pakistani minister hailed the unique, valuable and brotherly ties with Iran and urged the promotion of relations in various fields.
Qureshi also expressed hope that the bilateral ties would soon enter a new phase with growing trade and economic interaction.
The senior diplomat further praised Iran’s support for Pakistan on regional and international issues, voiced his country’s backing for the JCPOA as a major achievement of diplomacy, and said he is delighted that fresh negotiations have begun to revitalize the nuclear agreement.