Zarif in Pakistan for Talks Amid Rising Regional Tensions

EghtesadOnline: Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif traveled to Pakistan as part of his mission to hold talks with neighboring countries, as regional tensions triggered by US antagonism have reached a critical level.

News ID: ۷۴۷۴۰۹

25 May 2019

"At present, our region is in a difficult situation and dangerous measures are being taken. In view of this, it is essential to hold talks with our neighbors," he said upon arrival in Islamabad airport on Thursday evening, ISNA reported.

Relations between Iran and the US grew more tense after US President Donald Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

The situation exacerbated after the US sent warships and bombers to the Persian Gulf and Iran responded by partially easing its commitments under the nuclear accord, Financial Tribune reported.

On Friday, Zarif met his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who said Islamabad seeks the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of regional issues.

He called for restraint on the part of all engaged parties, saying "tension in the region is not in the interest of any country", IRNA reported.

Qureshi pledged that the Pakistani government will continue to play a role to facilitate the process of resolving regional problems.

The two sides also voiced satisfaction with the progress of implementing agreements reached between Iran and Pakistan in the recent visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan to Tehran.

Zarif later met Pakistan Army’s Chief of Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa in the city of Rawalpindi.

On Friday afternoon, he held a session with Pakistan’s Premier Imran Khan where they discussed regional and bilateral issues.

Reportedly, the two sides stressed the importance of improving mutual ties by removing obstacles.

The top diplomat was to meet Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Sadiq Sanjrani later in the day.