In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Monday, responding to an invitation from Pakistan's Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.
The visit comes at a crucial juncture, following recent cross-border tensions and military actions between the two neighboring nations.
Thaw in ties following airstrikes
The visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister follows a series of events that escalated tensions between the two nations. It began with Iran launching an airstrike in Balochistan, claiming to target a militant outfit, leading to a swift response from Islamabad, which conducted strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Iran.
The incidents prompted the withdrawal of ambassadors and a brief strain in diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister of Iran @Amirabdolahian has arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Foreign Minister @JalilJilani. He was received at the Nur Khan airbase by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) @RahimHayat.
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 28, 2024
During the visit, Foreign Minister Abdollahian… pic.twitter.com/97dNxXwmxE
Diplomatic sources said that the current visit is a significant step towards the normalisation of bilateral relations. Key issues to be addressed during the talks include security, economic, and trade matters.
Pakistan is expected to emphasize the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and bringing the perpetrators of the attack that claimed the lives of nine Pakistanis in Iran to justice.
Focus on bilateral cooperation
During the one-day visit, Foreign Minister Abdollahian is scheduled to hold in-depth discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani. The agenda includes a call on Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, with a focus on strengthening security measures and enhancing economic and trade ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic sources also suggest that the talks will involve a joint press stakeout, signaling a commitment to transparency and open communication between the two countries. The visit is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation and understanding, marking a positive turn in the recent strained relations.
Foreign Minister @JalilJilani welcomes Iranian Foreign Minister @amirabdolahian at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two Foreign Ministers will hold comprehensive talks to enhance bilateral dialogue and engagement and to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations. pic.twitter.com/IhuE2mCCDv
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 29, 2024
The diplomatic scenario between Iran and Pakistan witnessed a brief strain when envoys were withdrawn following the cross-border tensions. However, with recent efforts to de-escalate the situation, envoys resumed their duties in Tehran and Islamabad on January 26.
Despite the resumption, the region witnessed another unfortunate incident just a day later, with nine Pakistani citizens being killed and three injured in a firing incident near the Pakistani border in Iran. The perpetrators remain unidentified, adding complexity to the diplomatic landscape.
