Islamabad: The Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, met with President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security concerns, including rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident.

During the meeting, President Zardari emphasized the longstanding and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Iran. He highlighted the significance of collaboration between the two countries to foster regional peace and prosperity.

Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that his visit was directed by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He affirmed Iran’s understanding of Pakistan’s stance on current tensions and advocated for restraint from both India and Pakistan to ease the situation.

The Iranian Foreign Minister underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral ties with Pakistan and expressed a desire to maximize trade potential between the two nations. He also touched upon the situation in Afghanistan, pledging cooperation with Pakistan on regional issues.

President Zardari expressed gratitude for the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit at a crucial time, reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to dialogue and diplomacy. He raised concerns about India’s aggressive approach, which he claimed threatened regional stability, and echoed the call to enhance trade relations with Iran.

The leaders also deliberated on the situation in Gaza, jointly condemning the actions and human rights violations by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

In concluding the meeting, Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s best wishes to President Zardari.