PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Militants in areas near the Pakistan-Iran border are undoubtedly aided by third countries, says the Iranian foreign minister without naming anyone.
Hossein Amir Abdollahian made the remarks at a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad on Monday.
“There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions … are led and supported by third countries,” the visiting diplomat said without naming any country.
The Iranian official landed in Islamabad days after tensions escalated between the neighbours in the wake of an Iranian air strike in Pakistan.
In a tit-for-tat response, Islamabad pounded alleged militant hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Following his arrival, he went into talks with Jilani on bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the minister said.
The Foreign Office said they underlined the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive and upward trajectory in bilateral ties.
On Saturday, nine Pakistani workers were shot dead by unidentified attackers in Sistan-Baluchestan, prompting a call from Islamabad for an investigation into the incident.
Both Iran and Pakistan respected each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Abdollahian said, referring to good bilateral links.
He commented: “In a loud voice, we tell terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security.”
The neighbours would work on border security, act against terrorism, expand trade and boost economic cooperation, he added
For his part, Jilani said they had agreed to create a constructive mechanism involving foreign ministers to oversee progress in various areas of cooperation.
The two sides had agreed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism in their respective areas, he continued.
Calling terrorism, a common challenge to both countries, Jilani said they intended to adopt a collaborative approach to tackle the threat.
The Iranian minister also held constructive talks with Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asif Munir and Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on issues of common interest.
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