The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday expressed grief over the deaths of at least eight Iranian border guards who died in an exchange of fire with a militant group on the Pakistan-Iran border, said a statement released by the ministry.

The message was conveyed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi to the Iranian ambassador.

“Pakistan reaffirmed its full cooperation with the government of Iran for strengthening coordination and security along the border,” said the statement.

The ministry statement added that the relevant authorities of the two countries are also in contact with each other in this regard.

Pakistan also conveyed its sincere condolences to the government and people of Iran.

The Iranian border guards were killed in clashes with armed rebels Wednesday on the border with Pakistan.

Iranian media said the clashes broke out in the Mirjaveh region of Sistan-Baluchistan province.