Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian made a visit to Pakistan for crucial talks with his Pakistani Counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani, to ease tensions from recent cross-border airstrikes, after the two nations experienced conflict amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, resulting in tit-for-tat strikes that claimed at least 11 lives.
On Sunday, Pakistan's foreign ministry shared pictures and video of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arriving in Islamabad, Amirabdollahian's visit included “in-depth” talks with Jilani focusing on stabilising relations, emphasising the importance of their countries' close ties for regional stability. Both Ministers pledged to enhance political and security cooperation, expressing mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The diplomatic efforts extended to economic collaboration, with a shared commitment to uplift the affected regions economically.
Both ministers addressed the issue of terrorism and committed to jointly confront the "menace of terrorism" in the mountainous border region where the recent airstrikes occurred. Amirabdollahian suggested that the "terrorists" in these areas receive support from third countries, without providing specific details.
Photo: AP
During the discussions, the Iranian official also addressed the killing of nine Pakistani labourers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, expressing condolences. The families of the victims are demanding the return of their bodies, with Pakistan arranging the logistics with Iran's assistance.
Iran’s foreign minister is also set to meet Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar during his visit. Amirabdollahian also announced Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's upcoming visit to Pakistan. However No specific date has yet been revealed.
Recent Tensions between Iran and Pakistan
On January 17, Iran targeted the Jaish al-Adl group in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Pakistan strongly condemned the Iranian airstrikes, allegedly leaving two children dead.
Also Read : Iran attacks terrorist bases in Pakistan; Islamabad (vygrnews.com)
In a retaliatory move, Pakistan airstrikes on alleged militant targets two days later. On Saturday, gunmen in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province killed nine individuals, identified by Islamabad's ambassador as Pakistanis.
Also Read: Pakistan Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Militant Targets (vygrnews.com)
Islamabad called its ambassador from Tehran and blocked Iran's envoy from resuming duties. Tehran,in tit-for-tat, summoned Islamabad's charge d'affaires, underlining the seriousness of the situation following Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, which caused at least nine casualties.
The region has witnessed persistent unrest, involving issues such as cross-border drug-smuggling gangs, Baluch ethnic minority rebels, and jihadist activities.
Despite the initial escalation, leaders promptly chose to de-escalate tensions, leading to the resumption of diplomatic missions and the visit by Iran's Foreign Minister, Amirabdollahian.
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