As he landed in Islamabad on an official visit Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has called on Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and prevent escalation over Pahalgam incident, reported 24NewsHD TV channel and IRNA.
The Iranian top diplomat was received by Additional Secretary for West Asia Syed Asad Gillani, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, and other senior officials at the Islamabad airport.
During his visit, the Iranian foreign minister will hold important meetings with Pakistani leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport on the goals of his official visit to Pakistan, Abbas Araqchi has stressed the importance of Iran's relations with Pakistan and other countries in the region.
The Iranian foreign minister said that during his trip to Islamabad he will review bilateral relations and regional issues, and he is working to put cooperation between Iran and Pakistan on a better path.
Araqchi said that the relations between the two countries are of great importance, just as Iran's relations with other countries in the region, including India, are also important.
He said that the situation in the region is very important for Iran, and while Tehran emphasizes reducing tensions, the Islamic Republic calls on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation.
Earlier, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad, this high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran. It also underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments.
Pakistan and Iran enjoy close bilateral relations rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. The visit of Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to further strengthen the existing ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran also hailed Araqhchi's visit to Islamabad, saying Iran, as a key neighbour, always pursues interaction and consensus.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu said that the visit provides an opportunity for both neighbouring countries to exchange views on international developments and bilateral cooperation.
Mudassir Tipu also praised “the constructive and wise approach of Iranian leaders for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution of South Asian issues,” while referring to the recent tensions between Pakistan and India over Pahalgam incident.
“Tehran and Islamabad have aligned positions for establishing peace in the region,” he noted, adding Pakistan is aware of the geopolitical importance of the region and is ready for a transparent and impartial investigation into the attack.