Khawaja Asif talks regional security with Iran President Rouhani
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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.
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.
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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Sep 11, 2017 11:02am
What will be the role for the two others? Let not these people waste our money just to have pleasure trips.
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Sep 11, 2017 11:28am
As a Pakistani, I think after Iran plan a visit to India as well. I think it is the time to say enough is enough we don't want war let's start the process of dialogues and share your reservations and more importantly listen to their reservations as well and mutually solve the problem. The world has progressed but we are still doing old dirty politics. Let us collaborate in the field of health, education, science,and business etc.
Mark my words "War only brings destruction while peace brings prosperity".
May peace prevail on the Earth.
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Sep 11, 2017 11:38am
He will avail maximum opportunity for 'joy-rides' within the short period. No next time. What this inexperienced foreign Minister can achieve within, say weeks, which his boss could not in four and half years ?
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Sep 11, 2017 11:46am
@Ahsan gul So NSA and Foreign Secretary are having a pleasure trip in your valuable opinion? Seriously?
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Sep 11, 2017 11:57am
It's time to pivot to Iran instead of the Gulf States. Saudi Arabia is now run by a 31 year old spoiled prince who clearly has never heard anyone refuse his demands. Iran, despite its multitude of problems, is far more civilized, refined, and developed than Saudi Arabia. Iran has real potential for the future, while the Saudis are panicking and trying several multi billion dollar boondoggle projects to in a fruitless attempt to save themselves from eventual poverty once their black gold runs out or loses value. Saudis tried to force us into joining their stupid war in Yemen! They treated us with such disrespect. Iran never did that. And Iran speaks out for Kashmiris openly, as they did after Modi visited Israel (Saudi Arabia's friend, btw).
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Sep 11, 2017 12:01pm
Cant we find ministers of stature and expertise to do this job. This guy gives the impression as if he is going to a dance floor and is not comfortable in carrying out his duties. Perhaps he prefers his Iqama work? None of the govt ministers have the calibour to give a press conference without reading from a piece of paper.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:11pm
@Ahsan gul - Please send a circular to all ministries and departments telling them that in future all foreign visits will be sanctioned by you.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:24pm
Under training FM as he himself confessed left for Iran. Best of luck.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:31pm
He could have visited Korea along with China to have better synergies.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:31pm
Our current foreign minister is a disaster and he did the same when he was in China. Chaudhry Nisar rightly pointed out this with his statement, we do not need any other enemy for our country.
What he achieved of his earlier portfolio as Minister of Power and Minister of Defense that he can achieve now as such a sensitive portfolio as Foreign Minister?
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Sep 11, 2017 12:42pm
@Shahmeer: Appreciate your viewpoint.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:46pm
@Maverik - that's what I think. Why do we have a miserable foreign policy, you tell us wise guy?
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Sep 11, 2017 12:48pm
@Shahmeer well said, if india pak friendship works we will be best
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Sep 11, 2017 12:52pm
Wow this minister is certainly travelling. Let's see how long it lasts. He should travel to Myanmar too.
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Sep 11, 2017 12:57pm
Shahmeer i don't know who are you. Your suggestion is exvellent. Out of box solution. Let rulers accept your suggestion and follow it up.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:00pm
So, finally, someone in Pakistani government has discovered Iran next door. Until now, it has only been Saudis, Qataris and regular trips to the UK.
Iranians could teach a thing or two to Khawaja Asif on the art of diplomacy and how to stave off US pressures and survive regardless of sanctions, embargoes or cut-off of aid and thrive!
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Sep 11, 2017 01:08pm
And four Hazaras gunned down in Quetta.What type of relationship is this?
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Sep 11, 2017 01:11pm
What else can he do?
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Sep 11, 2017 01:12pm
Totally unfit for the job of diplomacy, which require wide range of knowledge, sharpness of mind, skills and competence. He is only sharp-minded in flattery and using abusive language against his political opponents with no care for women at all.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:15pm
@Ahsan gul
Foreign ministers are politicians, and will come and go. The foreign secretary is a career diplomat and part of the organization that will be in place regardless of which political party is in power or which cabinet member is the FM.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:29pm
Pak-Iran coperation can help establish peace in Afghanistan and remove regional security concerns. Besides regional crises, Khwaja Asif should focus on enhancing trade relations with Iran. Energy cooperation and IP gas pipeline project should be given priority in talks with Iranian leadership.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:50pm
Free pleasure trips and gathering of frequent flier miles by the new foreign minister continues. What kind of country's FM needs to travel to 4 foreign countries before just responding to a five minute statement by US President or to delineate its Foreign Policy.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:56pm
Dislcourse of these meetings should be censored until after they have happened as its a security issue. Somebody in the current Govt is leaking this information and putting the countries prosperity and security at risk. We the readers dont mind reading this after the visit has taken place.
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Sep 11, 2017 01:58pm
@shameer dialogue with India...why??when they reciprocate moves
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Sep 11, 2017 02:09pm
@HAKIM they go to eat free caviar and kabaab.
And if possible to gain some personal benifit from the trip. History will write down these type of politicians as Mir Jaffers of today.
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Sep 11, 2017 02:12pm
Today's ruling junta travel at tax payers money to get personal benifits, Iran does not trust them as they are already taking orders from America and Saudi Arabia. Nothing positive going to come out of it.
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Sep 11, 2017 03:27pm
Sometimes I smile..sometimes i cry..i smile because finally we have someone reaching out to our neighbors in the capacity of a foreign minister..but i cry when i see that out of a population of 20 crores ..that person is Mr. Khawaja Asif...
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Sep 11, 2017 03:56pm
@Shahmeer Excellent suggestions, Shahmeer. This could only be possible, if the civilian government is at the helm of foreign policy affairs.
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Sep 11, 2017 04:12pm
It is vital to have if not cordial at least normal & peaceful relationship with all neighbors.
At this stage Pak foreign policy is reactionary and directionless. Pak is yet pinning hope on USA to engage Pak again in one way or the other and our neighbors know it well.
Interestingly the person who has been tasked to convey Pak view point explicitly states that first put own house in order and if he is taking the message across, outcome is obvious. Ch. Nisar rightly said that Pak does not need enemies
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Sep 11, 2017 04:24pm
Can Iran trust on Pakistan after having fraught relations, we have been accepting pressures from Yankees and Saudis ? We did not prioritize our national interests over foreign pressures. Iran Pakistan gas pipeline is a prime example. Had this project was completed our energy crisis would have been over.
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Sep 11, 2017 04:24pm
Person like Kh Asif becoming FM & spokesperson of Pakistan is NS revenge against Pakistan.
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Sep 11, 2017 04:28pm
FM Khawaja Asif overreacting to President Trump speech, most probably his speech was meant for domestic consumption,although so far nothing changed and business continuing as usual. Instead of visiting third world, Khawaja Asif must prefer to visit US and explain the facts. The people of Pakistan needs to see that Afghan crisis be over asap, and talks with US are in supreme national interests.
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Sep 11, 2017 05:01pm
@Shahmeer I think you mistaken, or you have no knowledge at all, It's India who has created problems for everyone, India is not acknowledging UN Resolutions and now he wants a role in Afghanistan because Pakistan border with Afghanistan and India can create troubles. India can't feed its population, one toilet per 9000 people, imagine, but still wants Leadership Role only to bring down Pakistan.
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Sep 11, 2017 05:40pm
Welcome to the Club.
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Sep 11, 2017 05:45pm
@Justice 2 Did you watch his press conference while he was in China recently? If you don't like him, who should replace him?
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Sep 11, 2017 05:48pm
All neighbors should discuss and cooperate to formulate a policy to solve this decade old Afghan problem.
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Sep 11, 2017 05:52pm
@Shahmeer Not so at all. India is killing Kashmiris and dont want to talk about peace in Kashmir. Can you imagine what indians plan to do in Afghanistan?
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Sep 11, 2017 05:54pm
Was wondering if we got permission from El Saud before talking to Iran !
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Sep 11, 2017 05:57pm
@Justice 2 May be people with high caliber and leadership abilities are not allowed in Pakistani political parties, as they might outshine their bosses as well as designated prince and princess. Very sad state of so called democracy.
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Sep 12, 2017 12:30am
@Shahmeer You are a sensible man but only if only civilian government could decided foreign policy
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Sep 12, 2017 02:27am
Pak_Iran alliance is certain to cause Saudi Arabia's ire and anger which's a benefactor of the later- not to mention the mighty US.
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Sep 12, 2017 04:15am
All the best Mr. Asif. We need to focus more on our relationship with Iran. Not only because it is our neighbor but also will help us in sorting out Afghan Pakistan relationship. And please revive PAK Iran gas pipe line, we need it!
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Sep 12, 2017 09:06am
@My Advice Not so at all. India is killing Kashmiris and dont want to talk about peace in Kashmir. Can you imagine what indians plan to do in Afghanistan?
Brother Kashmir issue can be solved by dialogues only. Secondly, you said Indian plan in Afghanistan and my answer is "trade" you know from the last 3 years Pakistan is not allowing any Indian transit to Afghanistan so they are making their ways for trade, I would suggest you to study international relations and trade.
Mark my words "India will never do war" and the reason is growth.
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Sep 12, 2017 09:13am
@ atom dialogue with India...why??when they reciprocate moves.
Dear they will reciprocate once we will change our doctrine and start doing businesses, the reason behind recent conflict is just lack of communication.
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Sep 12, 2017 10:09am
Dear Pakistan and Iran ..we will be neighbors for many centuries to come....regional cooperation is a way out for all our miseries. the political difference may arise due to the lack of understanding and political sagacity, we need to have a future political vision. Folks..Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief, and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live and if we don't bear the consequences. what we do today will reflect tomorrow...
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Sep 13, 2017 02:28pm
Iran can be the best choice for Pakistan to expend bilateral relations, after all they shares a border with us why can not be a partner for security as well.
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