“Iran and Pakistan are two friendly, brotherly, and effective countries of the region,” Iranian president H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak
Tehran; The President Islamic Republic of Iran H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani said that “Iran and Pakistan are two friendly, brotherly, and effective countries of the region,” H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani called for immediate implementation of bilateral agreements, during his meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on other day. The President Islamic Republic of Iran H.E.Mr.Dr,Hassan Rouhani stated that “Tehran is determined to expand economic, cultural, and political relations with Islamabad,” asserted the Iranian top executive. The Iranian president regretted that the objective set for bilateral ties of Tehran and Islamabad has not been fulfilled yet, contrary to huge potentials of relations. He urged the officials of both Iran and Pakistan to expand and develop relations and cooperation, more than anytime, within the framework of brokered bilateral agreements. The President Islamic Republic of Iran H.E.Mr.Hassan Rouhani said “Strengthening the security of the shared borderlines to convert them to border markets will benefit both countries and contribute to the security and stability of the region,” maintained the Iranian top official, referring to joint efforts of the two countries in countering terrorism and improving border security. H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani voiced hope for immediate implementation of agreements reached between the central banks of the two countries to ease banking relations and develop trade and business between the two countries. The President Islamic Republic of Iran H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani said that “Iran and Pakistan share the same goals and approaches toward regional problems,” highlighted H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani after asserting that regional security and security is of prime importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran.“Only the countries of the region are capable of resolving the regional crises,” reiterated the Iranian president, “never is able a foreigner or cross-regional country to solve the regional conflicts.” He pointed to issues and problems of Afghanistan and urged cooperation and more efforts of Pakistan in joining Iran for the cause of establishing security, stability, and serenity in the region. H.E.Dr,Hassan Rouhani stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate with countries of the region like Pakistan for countering terrorism and developing peace, stability, and security.“Resolving the problems of the countries of the region needs regional solutions with participation of Iran, while any action of cross-regional countries is of no benefit for the region,” asserted Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. The Pakistani top diplomat, in this meeting, for his part, described the relations and cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad as positive and voiced his country’s willingness for bolstering, deepening, and cementing bilateral ties with Iran for the sake of acquiring common interests. Mean while the Pakistani foreign office issued a statement in which mentioned that Pakistani Foreign Minister held detailed talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif on bilateral relations and the prevailing regional situation, including efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. They discussed strengthening of brotherly relations between the two countries rooted in common history, culture and people to people ties and reaffirmed the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Earlier, soon after his arrival in Tehran, Foreign Khawaja Asif stated that pursuing the policy of peaceful neighborhood, Pakistan was committed to further strengthen relations with Iran and to work closely for promoting peace, security and development in the region. In this regard, he expressed satisfaction over increasing engagement between Pakistan and Iran while emphasizing the need to focus on promoting trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.The Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan in diverse fields including in trade, investment, connectivity as well as border management. Both Ministers shared deep concern over human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views about efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of latest developments in Afghanistan. They agreed that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a politically negotiated settlement was imperative for lasting peace in Afghanistan. They underscored that the regional countries have vital stakes in stability in Afghanistan should play a more proactive role in the peace efforts. The two Ministers also expressed deep concern over the atrocities being committed against Rohingyas and agreed on the need for urgent humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering. The Pakistani foreign minister exchanged views with the Iranian leaders on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional security scenario especially in the backdrop of new US strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia. National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua were present during the meetings. Pakistani foreign minister said Afghanistan’s neighboring countries would have to agree on joint efforts to cope with the Afghan problem.Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said aim of his Tehran visit was to persuade the neighbors to hammer out consensus on some issues.He said he would also discuss Pakistan’s viewpoint during his visit to Turkey.He said peace in Afghanistan would have far reaching effects on the whole region.
Khawaja Asif said US army has failed in resolving issues facing Afghanistan as there could be no military solution to the Afghan problem. He said no imported solutions couldn’t be effective. Last week, Asif delayed his meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington. The Pakistani government also postponed the visit of Alice Wells, acting assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs, to Islamabad after US President Donlad trump’s allegations against Pakistan. During his recent visit to China, Khawaja Asif has reiterated support for China’s offer to host the first trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan later this year, focusing on strategic communication, practical cooperation, and security dialogue.