Tehran-Islamabad vow stronger ties amid rising border tensions
— May 5, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday to discuss matters of bilateral and mutual interest, as well as regional security, particularly the growing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident.
Welcoming the Iranian foreign minister, President Zardari said Pakistan and Iran shared historic and brotherly relations and stressed the need for both nations to work together to promote peace and prosperity across the region.
Foreign Minister Araghchi said he is visiting Pakistan on the instructions of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He expressed understanding of Pakistan’s stance on the current situation and urged both countries involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and work to de-escalate the tensions.
He emphasised Iran’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Pakistan and called for increased bilateral cooperation. Highlighting the need to enhance trade ties, the minister underscored the importance of expanding economic collaboration to reach the full potential of both nations.
Araghchi also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and assured continued coordination with Pakistan on regional matters.
President Zardari thanked the Iranian foreign minister for visiting at a critical time and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. He voiced concern over India’s aggressive posture, warning that it poses a threat to regional peace and stability. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to boost bilateral trade for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The two leaders also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning the ongoing atrocities and human rights violations being committed by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.