Khawaja Asif talks regional security with Iran President Rouhani

Published September 11, 2017
Iran President Hassan Rouhani greets Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Sept 11. —Photo courtesy Foreign Office
Iran President Hassan Rouhani greets Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Sept 11. —Photo courtesy Foreign Office

Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Monday and exchanged views on the latest regional situation and different aspects of the bilateral relations in wake of the recent policy announced by US President Donald Trump, a statement released by the foreign ministry said.

Earlier, the foreign minister met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and discussed regional security.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Asif "discussed strengthening of brotherly relations between the two countries rooted in common history, culture and people to people ties and reaffirmed the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation," the Foreign Office (FO) said.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discuss bilateral relations on Sept 11. — Photo courtesy FO
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discuss bilateral relations on Sept 11. — Photo courtesy FO

In a more comprehensive meeting, the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan discussed "bilateral relations and the prevailing regional situation, including efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan."

They agreed that only a political solution could bring peace in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of countries in the region in peace efforts.

The foreign minister expressed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries and emphasised "the need to focus on promoting trade, economic cooperation and connectivity."

Zarif reaffirmed Iran's desire to "deepen relations with Pakistan" in trade, investment, connectivity and border management among other fields, FO statement said.

Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers pose before their meeting in Tehran. —Photo courtesy FO
Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers pose before their meeting in Tehran. —Photo courtesy FO

They "shared deep concern over human rights violations" in India-held Kashmir and atrocities in Burma, agreeing on the need for urgent humanitarian efforts for Rohingya Muslims.

The foreign minister is accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

Asif's one-day visit to Iran is a part of a tour to regional powers to discuss Trump's new Afghan policy. He has already visited China and is expected to visit Russia soon.

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