Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni that Islamabad will continue efforts for lasting peace between Washington and Tehran, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. The assurance came as Pakistan and Iran discussed bilateral ties and the regional situation following recent moves by the US and Iran towards a final peace deal.
Separately, Pakistan on Wednesday welcomed what it described as positive recognition from the international community for its role in facilitating dialogue and de-escalation between the US and Iran. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said this reflected international trust in Pakistan and its commitment to promoting peace, security and stability.
Momeni arrived on Tuesday as part of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation on a one-day visit. Last week, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at restoring peace in west Asia. Earlier this week, they held technical-level talks in Switzerland in the presence of mediators Pakistan, which has signed the memorandum as a “guarantor”, and Qatar. After the talks, the US and Iran agreed on a roadmap towards a final peace deal in 60 days.
According to the Ministry of Interior statement, Naqvi congratulated Momeni on the joint communiqu signed in Switzerland and said it would not have been possible without the sincere efforts of the Iranian government and Momeni’s personal commitment. “Pakistan has always sought peace and stability across the world,” Naqvi said, adding that Islamabad would continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East. He also expressed hope that the joint communiqu would have far-reaching positive implications for the region.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and immigration. Momeni and Naqvi have met several times in recent weeks as the Pakistani minister shuttled between the two countries as part of high-level diplomatic efforts. Momeni said, “I will soon undertake a detailed visit to Pakistan, aimed at further advancing cooperation between the interior ministries of the two countries.” He also thanked Pakistan for the warm reception given to the Iranian president and his delegation during the visit.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets escorted Pezeshkian’s plane when it entered the country’s airspace on Tuesday. He met Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership and discussed regional developments and peace initiatives. At the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi said the US and Iran had also agreed to set up communication channels to prevent misunderstandings, ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and create a deconfliction mechanism that would also involve Lebanon. He said technical teams from Pakistan and Qatar would continue to engage with their US and Iranian counterparts to support implementation of the agreement. Overall, Pakistan described its recent contacts with Iran and its diplomatic role in the US-Iran process as part of its continuing effort to support regional peace and stability.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
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