FM Jilani, Iranian counterpart agree to strengthen bilateral relations

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who arrived in Pakistan early on Monday, agreed to further strengthen relations as the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between the two foreign ministers in Islamabad today. The move comes as part of efforts to repair their ties damaged by tit-for-tat missile strikes a fortnight ago.

An unusual military standoff was triggered by Iran’s missile strikes on January 16, targeting what it claimed were hideouts of Jaish-al-Adl in the remote region of Balochistan. the Jaish-al-Adl, formed in 2012, is a militant group involved in several attacks on the Iranian security forces.

Two days later Pakistan mounted its own reply, hitting what it said were terrorist bases of Baloch terrorist outfits. Iran admitted those killed in the Pakistan strikes were not Iranian nationals.

Following Pakistan’s retaliation, the two sides were quick to climb down the escalation ladder. Ahead of the Iranian foreign minister’s visit, the ambassadors of Iran and Pakistan returned to their respective assigned capitals on Friday.

During the meeting today, both sides underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive, forward-oriented and upward trajectory in bilateral relations

Islamabad and Tehran also agreed to work towards promoting the mutually desired goals of peace and prosperity, based on mutual respect and a collective approach to address common challenges.

Following Pakistan’s retaliation, the two sides were quick to climb down the escalation ladder. Ahead of the Iranian foreign minister’s visit, the ambassadors of Iran and Pakistan returned to their respective assigned capitals on Friday.

The two countries have often boasted of their “friendly and brotherly” ties but underneath does exist certain problems. The major issue is the presence of non-state actors in the border region that has been the cause of mistrust.

But despite that a very few had thought Iran would resort to missile strikes in Pakistan. Officials said that both sides would now need to move cautiously and agree on a new framework that ensures such incidents did not happen in the future.