Pakistan Friday extended an olive branch to Iran to work on “all issues” after both countries launched air strikes into each other’s borders, targeting terrorists.
The resolve came during caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani’s telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.
Iran carried out a missile and drone attack on what it called “terrorist” targets in Pakistan on Tuesday night, with Pakistan in turn striking militant targets inside Iran on Thursday.
Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran’s envoy — on a visit home — has been expelled.
The United Nations and the United States have appealed for restraint, while China has offered to mediate.
Foreign Minister @JalilJilani spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, @Amirabdolahian today. Foreign Minister Jilani expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran on all issues based on spirit of mutual trust and cooperation. He underscored the need for closer cooperation on… pic.twitter.com/BctWkBvnjl
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 19, 2024
FM Jilani, as per the Foreign Office’s statement, expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran on all issues based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.
“He underscored the need for closer cooperation on security issues,” the statement quoted Jilani as saying in his second telephonic conversation with Abdollahian within three days.
Pakistan has also made it clear to the rest of the world that it does not intend to further exacerbate the situation, calling on Tehran to ensure that it respects Islamabad’s territorial sovereignty.
