Published: 11:23, January 20, 2024 | Updated: 13:04, January 20, 2024
Pakistan eyes overcoming 'irritants' with Iran via dialogue
By Xinhua

In this photo released Pakistan's Prime Minister office, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq-Kakar (center right) chairs a meeting of the National Security Committee, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Jan 19, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN - Pakistan and Iran would be able to overcome "minor irritants" through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way for strengthening their relations, according to the Prime Minister's Office after a meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee.

Pakistan on Wednesday accused Iran of violating Pakistan's airspace after Iran hit some targets near the Pakistan-Iran border inside Pakistan, and on Thursday, Pakistan's military announced that the country carried out effective strikes against hideouts inside Iran used by "terrorists" responsible for the attacks.

The meeting, chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, was held in the wake of Iran's recent unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan's sovereignty, and deliberated upon matters of national security, according to the office's statement.

Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection.

Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister

Kakar said it is in the interest of both Pakistan and Iran to take steps to restore the relationship.

"Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection," said Kakar, adding that Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.

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During the meeting, participants were briefed about the political and diplomatic developments on the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and the impact on the overall security milieu in the region, it added.

Terming Iran as a brotherly Muslim country, the committee highlighted that the existing multiple communication channels between Pakistan and Iran should be mutually utilized to address each other's security concerns in the larger interests of regional peace and stability.

The meeting underlined Pakistan's commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international norms, while reiterating the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism with an iron hand.

The meeting also reaffirmed that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan is of paramount importance and no stone will be left unturned to ensure it, according to the office.

A Pakistani police officer stands guard outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Jan 18, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

On Friday afternoon, Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and agreed to de-escalate the situation.

Meanwhile, Amir-Abdollahian and his Dutch counterpart Hanke Bruins Slot on Friday exchanged views on bilateral ties and Iran's recent missile strike on "a base of Israeli intelligence service Mossad" in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.

ALSO READ: Iran pays attention to Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian highlighted Iran's respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the Tehran-Baghdad strategic relations, noting that ensuring Iran's national security was a red line and priority

In a phone call, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, in which the Iranian top diplomat called for joint efforts to expand ties at bilateral, regional, and international levels, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

Amir-Abdollahian called on the Netherlands to take "appropriate and effective" action in the path of fighting terrorism, explaining that the recent strike was aimed at "effectively countering terrorism" and conducted "within the framework of international law and legitimate defense".

He highlighted Iran's respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the Tehran-Baghdad strategic relations, noting that ensuring Iran's national security was a red line and priority.

READ MORE: Iran says 7 killed on its soil as Pakistan strikes 'terror' hideouts

The Dutch foreign minister, for her part, elaborated on her country's positions on Iran's move against "terrorists" in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, calling on both sides to exercise restraint.