TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks with new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Friday.

The sides discussed expansion of relations in various areas and highlighted the necessity of close cooperation among the Islamic countries. Fight against terrorism and extremism was also discussed.

Iran’s chief diplomat also met with Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa. 

Zarif also held separate talks with Pakistan’ Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and called for expansion of relations in various spheres.

The Pakistani foreign minister said his country attaches great importance to removal of impediments to expansion of ties.

After the meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, “Welcoming his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi noted the potential for strengthening the already strong bilateral relationship. Pakistan and Iran have stood by each other in difficult moments.”

“It was agreed to host the next rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Economic Commission at early dates. Useful exchange of views on strengthening cooperation in economic, trade and connectivity sectors, cultural and people to people links, took place. While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through various forums in this regard,” the statement added.

Elsewhere in the statement, it said Zarif “extended best wishes of the Iranian leadership and the people of Iran on the election victory led by Prime Minister Imran Khan.”

Zarif started his tour of Pakistan on Thursday.

Upon his arrival in Islamabad On Thursday, the Iranian foreign minister met with National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.

Zarif also visited in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday where held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his counterpart Mevlut Çavu?oglu.

NA/PA