Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, asserted on Monday that there was unquestionable evidence linking militants in the border regions of both Pakistan and Iran to third-party support. Abdollahian’s visit came amid the aftermath of unprecedented missile exchanges between the two countries and the recent killing of nine Pakistani laborers in Iran’s Sistan-Blauchistan province.
During a joint press conference in Islamabad with interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Abdollahian stressed the alleged involvement of third countries in supporting terrorists along the common border. He declared, “There is no doubt that the terrorists in the common border regions of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries, and they never favor any positive actions benefiting the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations.”
Abdollahian, emphasizing the absence of territorial disputes between Iran and Pakistan, highlighted their historical relations as representing a single nation with distinct geographical positions. He acknowledged an invitation for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Pakistan, underscoring mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Abdollahian assured that both nations would not allow terrorists to jeopardize their common security.
High-level constructive mechanism
Addressing the commitment to border security, counterterrorism efforts, and economic cooperation, Abdollahian revealed agreements between the two countries. He stressed joint efforts to combat terrorism and the expansion of trade, commercial, and economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Jilani added that a high-level constructive mechanism, involving regular meetings alternately in Iran and Pakistan, would oversee progress in various areas of cooperation.
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Jilani further disclosed plans to station liaison officers in Turbat and Zahedan, emphasizing the operationalization of border markets and the importance of the Iranian counterpart’s visit in solidifying bilateral ties. Both ministers underscored the common challenge of terrorism and committed to collaborative approaches, leveraging robust institutional mechanisms while prioritizing uplift and development projects. They hailed the joint inauguration of the border and Hub-Bolan electricity line as a testament to enhanced cooperation, affirming that respect for sovereignty and integrity remained foundational for their collaboration.