ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to make joint efforts for peace and stability in the region, including Afghanistan.

The understanding was reached at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Islamabad today (Wednesday).

The two foreign ministers also expressed concern over the tendency of rising Islamophobia in some European countries and made it clear that blasphemous attitude in the garb of freedom of expression is not acceptable at all.

They exchanged views on bilateral relations, promotion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, and the Coronavirus pandemic. They also discussed better border management, promotion of mutual contacts, and provision of better facilities to the Zaireen.

On the occasion, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan and Iran can benefit from regional and other important forums for promotion of cooperation in bilateral trade, investment, security and other areas of mutual interest.

Expressing grief and sorrow over deaths due to Covid-19 in Iran, the Foreign Minister appreciated the Iranian government's efforts to control spread of the pandemic.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said durable peace in Afghanistan is imperative for peace and stability in the region. He said the Afghan leadership has a unique opportunity in the form of intra-Afghan dialogue and they should not let this opportunity go.

He also apprised his Iranian counterpart of India's atrocities and gross human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

Meanwhile, delegations level talks between Pakistan and Iran were held in Islamabad today.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while the Iranian side was headed by their Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

The two sides discussed the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and strengthening of contacts between the two counties.

Later, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in Islamabad today.

Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood and senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the luncheon.

The Iranian Foreign Minister along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also cut the cake of birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan and Iran have decided to enhance bilateral engagements to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Talking to media, along with Iranian Foreign Minister, in Islamabad this evening, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said it is the fourth visit of Javad Zarif to Pakistan and these frequent visits are helping improve bilateral relations to next level.

He said a host of topics, including bilateral trade, regional situation, and peace in Afghanistan, were discussed with his Iranian Counterpart Javad Zarif.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan and Iran share common identical views over peace in Afghanistan as both countries want tranquility and stability there.

He said we have decided to increase exchange of views over matters pertaining to Afghanistan to achieve our shared objective of making efforts for durable peace in the neighbouring country.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also thanked the Iranian leadership for vehemently supporting Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

Javad Zarif expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation being extended from Pakistan in securing borders and handling issues relating to immigration and terrorism.

He also appreciated Pakistan for erecting fence along the border to check illegal movement.