Iran and Pakistan have stressed the importance of promoting peace in the region and solving tensions through nonviolent approaches.
In a phone conversation on Friday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.
"Iran & Pakistan are close neighbors and friends. We agreed to strengthen our cooperation in all fields inc. fighting terrorism," the Iranian diplomat said in a post on his official Twitter account.
Today I spoke w Tehmina Janjua
Foreign Secretary of Pakistan over phone. Iran & Pakistan are close neighbors and friends. We agreed to strengthen our cooperation in all fields inc. fighting terrorism. Iran calls for deescalation and peaceful resolution of Pakistan-India conflict.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 15, 2019
Tehran calls for de-escalation of tension and "peaceful resolution of Pakistan-India conflict," the Iranian diplomat said.
The recent clashes between India and Pakistan were triggered after a February 14 bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in the northern region of Kashmir, which is claimed by both countries. A Pakistan-based militant group claimed responsibility for the attack and India accused Pakistan of complicity - a charge Pakistan denies.
The tensions reached a peak late last month, when India said it had conducted “preemptive” airstrikes against what it described as a militant training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot.
PressTV-Indian jets strike ‘militant training camp’ inside Pakistan
India says it has conducted airstrikes against “terror camps” inside Pakistan, escalating tensions with its nuclear-armed neighbor to a new level.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan last Friday vowed to crack down on Pakistan-based terrorist groups carrying out attacks abroad, following deadly attacks by such outfits in India and Iran.
PressTV-Pakistani PM vows crackdown on terrorists in his country
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan vows to crack down on Pakistan-based terrorist groups carrying out attacks abroad, following deadly attacks in India and Iran.
“This government will not allow Pakistan’s land to be used for any kind of outside terrorism,” said Khan while addressing a public rally in southern Pakistan. “We will not allow any terror group to function in our country now.”
On February 13, a bomber, identified by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as Pakistani national Hafiz Mohammad Ali, slammed his explosives-laden car into a bus carrying members of Iran’s IRGC on a road in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province — which borders Pakistan — killing 27 people and injuring 13 others.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Faisal also pointed to the phone call between Janjua and Araqchi and said the two sides exchanged views about issues of mutual interest.
FS Tehmina Janjua spoke to Iran's DFM Seyed Abbas Araghchi @araghchi
Issues of mutual interest were discussed
The two agreed to strengthen b/l cooperation in all areas
FS Janjua illustrated Pakistan’s continued desire for peace and de-escalation of tensions in the region pic.twitter.com/xccXdAaxF3
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) March 15, 2019
Faisal wrote on his Twitter account that the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas.
"FS Janjua illustrated Pakistan’s continued desire for peace and de-escalation of tensions in the region," he said.
Read more:
- Zarif urges restraint as India, Pakistan come to blows
- Iran urges India, Pakistan to exercise restraint amid tensions
- India says on 'strict vigil' for new attacks from Pakistan
- Modi likely to benefit from Pakistan tensions in India election
- India says downed drone, struck Pakistan thrice in 5 years
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