Pakistan Eyes Overcoming ‘Irritants’ with Iran via Dialogue
Pakistan and Iran would be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way for strengthening their relations, according to the Prime Minister’s Office after a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee.
Pakistan on Wednesday accused Iran of violating Pakistan’s airspace after Iran hit some targets near the Pakistan-Iran border inside Pakistan, and on Thursday, Pakistan’s military announced that the country carried out effective strikes against hideouts inside Iran used by terrorists responsible for the attacks.
Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection, said Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, adding that Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.
During the meeting, participants were briefed about the political and diplomatic developments on the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and the impact on the overall security milieu in the region, it added.
Terming Iran as a brotherly Muslim country, the committee highlighted that the existing multiple communication channels between Pakistan and Iran should be mutually utilized to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interests of regional peace and stability.
The meeting underlined Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international norms, while reiterating the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism with an iron hand.
On Friday afternoon, Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and agreed to de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, Amir-Abdollahian and his Dutch counterpart Hanke Bruins Slot on Friday exchanged views on bilateral ties and Iran’s recent missile strike on a base of Israeli intelligence service Mossad in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian highlighted Iran’s respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the Tehran-Baghdad strategic relations, noting that ensuring Iran’s national security was a red line and priority.
In a phone call, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, in which the Iranian top diplomat called for joint efforts to expand ties at bilateral, regional, and international levels, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.
Amir-Abdollahian called on the Netherlands to take appropriate and effective action in the path of fighting terrorism, explaining that the recent strike was aimed at effectively countering terrorism and conducted within the framework of international law and legitimate defense.
He highlighted Iran’s respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the Tehran-Baghdad strategic relations, noting that ensuring Iran’s national security was a red line and priority.
The Dutch foreign minister, for her part, elaborated on her country’s positions on Iran’s move against terrorists in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, calling on both sides to exercise restraint.
The recent developments between Pakistan and Iran have raised concerns about regional peace and stability. The meeting held by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing the minor irritants between the two countries. Both sides expressed their commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the mutual utilization of existing communication channels to address security concerns. Pakistan’s foreign minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart, agreeing to de-escalate the situation, while Iran’s foreign minister discussed bilateral ties with his Dutch counterpart regarding Iran’s recent missile strike. The focus remains on restoring the fraternal and cooperative relations between Pakistan and Iran while ensuring regional peace and stability.
