Iranian, Pakistani FMs discuss Imran Khan's visit, joint fight against terrorism

Foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan in phone talks on Saturday conferred on the upcoming visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Tehran as well as the two nations' fight against terrorist groups.

During the phone conversation between Mohammad Javad Zarif and Pakistan’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi, due efforts to further strengthen and broaden bilateral ties were also reviewed by the two sides.

Zarif, for his part, condemned again the Thursday terrorist attack in Southwestern Pakistan which killed several people, sympathizing with the Pakistani government and nation.

Before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with top Iranian officials, the Pakistani PM is expected to have a brief stop-over in the holy city of Mashhad on April 21, the day when Shiite Muslims around the world celebrate the birthday anniversary of Imam Mahdi, the 12th and last infallible successor to Prophet Mohammad (AS).

Last Thursday, Imran Khan in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to his country Mahdi Honardoost had said that Islamabad was enthusiastic about having closer relations with Tehran, adding that he would pursue broader bilateral ties in his upcoming visit to Iran.

Imran Khan said that his country attached great importance to its ties with Iran, and he would seek closer relations between the two neighbors during his upcoming visit to the Islamic Republic.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Imran Khan’s first-ever visit to Iran.

“Pakistan attaches great significance to its neighbors, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, which shares many interests and commonalities with Pakistan,” the prime minister said.

Highlighting the importance of his upcoming visit to Tehran, Imran Khan appreciated the Iranian president’s official invitation which would give him a chance to visit the “friendly and brotherly” country of Iran.

He also expressed hope that the two-day trip could help deepen and enhance bilateral relations between the two Muslim states.

EA