Iranian FM Zarif meets PM Imran, FM Qureshi in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Friday.

Zarif, who arrived in Islamabad late Thursday on a two-day visit, discussed matters of Pakistan-Iran bilateral and regional importance in his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and Iran's ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honordoost were present during the meeting.

Earlier this morning, Foreign Minister Zarif held a meeting with Foreign Minister Qureshi and also led delegation-level talks with the Pakistani side.

Speaking at the delegation level talks, Qureshi said Pakistan would continue its reconciliatory efforts for ensuring peace and stability and reducing tension in the region.

Qureshi added that tensions in the region are in no one's interest.

He added Pakistan wants resolution of all outstanding issues through diplomatic engagement. "All stakeholders need to demonstrate patience and tolerance," Qureshi said.

The Iranian foreign minister said his country gives value to Pakistan's efforts for establishing peace in the region.

Expressing satisfaction over implementation on the decisions made during Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to Iran the two sides agreed to continue cooperation on bilateral matters.

Qureshi led the Pakistani side while the Iranian delegation was headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif.

Zarif is also expected to meet top brass of civil-military leadership of the country later in the day.