THE recent visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Pakistan was to encourage relationships and collaborations between the two countries to help end terrorism in the region, increase bilateral trade and improve border security and, in short, to identify and remove all impediments for improving ties.

Also, the Iranian delegation discussed matters about trade, energy, culture, people-to-people contacts and invited Pakistan and China to invest in the Chabahar Port to increase bilateral trade and security engagements.

It seems despite the ongoing collaborations with India, Iran is keen not to undermine its relations with Pakistan.

The Pakistan government should use the occasion to open new channels of cooperation that best serve the interests of both the countries. Our foreign policy must be guided by the fact that Pakistan needs to make new allies and strengthen relations with neighbouring countries. May the bilateral reciprocal visits help to further strengthening relations.

Baba Faiz Ball Nigwar,

Balochistan

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2018