Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is visiting Pakistan in a bid to mend tensions between the two countries, months after an airstrike on an alleged terrorist hideout in hostile territory. During the meeting, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif brought up the Kashmir issue and tried to discuss the region, but the Iranian president did not respond. Ebrahim Raisi instead raised the issue of Palestine and how Iran continues to support those fighting oppression.
Both countries have accused each other of providing safe haven to armed groups. In January, Iran launched airstrikes against facilities believed to be hideouts for militants in rebel-held Balochistan province. In retaliation for the missile attack, Pakistan sent lethal drones and rockets to carry out “precision military strikes” against “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Siestan-Balochistan province. However, both countries refrained from escalating tensions.
What did Iran and Pakistan talk about?
Aiming to repair strained relations, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is visiting Pakistan for talks on religious, cultural, diplomatic, investment and security issues.
Both Iran and Pakistan agreed to joint efforts in the fight against terrorism. At least eight documents were signed between the two countries to promote cooperation in various fields. Discussions were also held between the two leaders to promote trade and communication between the two countries.
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“We are fully committed to strengthening relations at the highest level,” President Raisi said at a press conference. The volume of economic trade between Iran and Pakistan is unacceptable. As a first step, we have decided to increase the trade volume between our countries to $10 billion. ”
Shehbaz Sharif said, “We must keep this relationship strong despite the challenges we both face. Pakistan and Iran can prosper and our borders remain intact.” “We will see progress,” he said, and raised the Kashmir issue during his talks with Iran, but there was no response from the Iranian president.
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