Pak Foreign Minister to meet Iran counterpart, seeks to review bilateral ties

After concluding his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday began his three-day official trip to Iran. According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Qureshi will have delegation-level talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Both the ministers will review the bilateral tie to further deepening cooperation in diverse fields.

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday began his three-day official trip to Iran. Qureshi is scheduled to have delegation-level talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Both the ministers will review the bilateral ties for further strengthening the cooperation in diverse fields.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri official spokesperson of Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a tweet, “FM @SM FM @SMQureshiPTI visit to is part of regular high-level exchanges between FM @JZarif visited in November 2020. The two FMs met on 30 March 2021 on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Min Conf. FM last visited in January 2020.”

His visit comes days ahead of the Istanbul conference on the Afghan peace process between representatives from Afghanistan and the Taliban. The conference is scheduled for April 24 to be hosted by Turkey.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, former Ambassador Jitendra Tripathi said, “The visit signifies that Pakistan is trying to prove its credentials and send across a message to all its neighbours including Iran that Pakistan’s intention is good and that it doesn’t want tension in the region. This is an exercise to redeem Pakistan in eyes of its neighbour and establish its so-called credential that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and will always try to be friends with India and other countries.”

When asked if the Afghan peace process is the prime factor of Qureshi’s visit, Tripathi opined that Pakistan's Foreign Minister might have got some indication about the truce discussions from the U.S and wanted to convey it to Iran and seek Iran’s cognizance over that.

According to the statement issued by the foreign ministry, the two sides are expected to discuss regional security including the latest developments in the Afghan peace process and Kashmir issue. The statement added that deliberations on strengthening regional cooperation under the Economic Cooperation Organization will be held.

The statement said during his visit, Qureshi will also call on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Saudi Arabia either before or immediately after Eid-Al-Fitr in May. During the trip, PM Khan will meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. Notably, in March the crown prince has invited Khan during a telephonic conversation.