Pakistan, Iran hold ninth round of political consultations

ISLAMABAD: The ninth round of political consultations between Pakistan and Iran took place on Saturday in Tehran wherein the two sides held detailed discussions on issues of mutual interest, including political trade, economic cooperation and security.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry led the Pakistani delegation whereas the Iranian side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Ebrahim Rahimpour, said a Foreign Office statement.

The foreign secretary also called on Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif during the visit. The two sides agreed on the need for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the areas which were discussed during the consultation. They also reviewed the regional situation as well as opportunities offered by enhanced connectivity for transit trade.

It was agreed that close cooperation was needed in countering extremism and terrorism, especially the threat posed by organisations such as Daesh (ISIS).

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry also apprised his counterpart of the latest situation in Indian-held Kashmir.

Political consultations are a regular feature of the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.  The last round of these consultations took place in Islamabad in October 2014.