ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif is expected to visit Islamabad on April 8 for discussions on bilateral relations and the regional situation, officials said here on Wednesday.

This would be the first high-level contact between the two countries since a Saudi-led coalition started air strikes in Yemen against what is being described as Houthi rebel targets.

Pakistan has sided with Saudi Arabia in the conflict with the Houthis, who are said to be backed by Iran.

The Iranian foreign ministry had last week called Pakistani Ambassador in Tehran Noor Mohammad Jademani to express its concerns over the situation in Yemen and Pakistan’s likely participation in the anti-Houthi alliance.

Know more: Iran wanted to hold talks on Yemen crisis

During the conversation, Iran had offered to hold dialogue with Pakistan on the issue.

Mr Zarif had told reporters in Switzerland, where he had gone for talks about Iran’s nuclear programme, that his country condemned air strikes and was encouraging dialogue and national reconciliation in Yemen.

Pakistan too hinted his week that it would be reaching out to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries for discussions on the Yemen crisis.

The Iranian minister is also expected to discuss bilateral relations.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2015

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