Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) and his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar (Photo by the Iranian Foreign Ministry)
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is ready to help resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan that have recently escalated following deadly border fighting.
Araghchi was speaking in a Sunday telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, during which they discussed bilateral relations as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Araghchi voiced concerns about the current situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue between the two sides, with the help of influential regional countries, to settle disputes and reduce tensions.
He also announced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to offer any kind of assistance towards the aforementioned aim.
The Pakistani and Afghan militaries clashed last month, killing dozens, in the worst violence since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The two neighboring countries signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha on October 19 during the first round of peace talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
However, the second round of negotiations in Istanbul ended without a long-term deal.
The two sides kicked off the third round of peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, but the discussions broke down the following day.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told the Geo News channel that the “talks are over” and that the Pakistani delegation was returning home with “no plan for any future meetings.”
Also during the phone call, Araghchi underlined the importance of longstanding, friendly relations between Iran and Pakistan.
He further reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to expand cooperation with Islamabad in various fields.
Ishaq Dar, for his part, briefed Araghchi on the latest situation and recent Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations, stressing the significance of preserving regional peace and stability.
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