IRNA - Iran�s Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Abbas Araqchi reached Pakistan on Monday where he held important meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral ties.


According to details, he had separate meetings with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

Talking to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Araqchi said that Iran and Pakistan always hold bilateral discussion at foreign ministers level and his visit is part of that mechanism.

He said that he had a fruitful meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi where both sides discussed issues of mutual interest.

The Iranian official went on to say that it was necessary to hold discussion on regional and global issues, especially the situation arising after the unilateral American sanctions on Iran.

He added that Iran and Pakistan are two close friendly neighbors who always stood with each other. Deputy Foreign Minister said that Iran and Pakistan share common history and culture.

Araqchi expressing his views said that issue of abducted Iranian border guards came under discussion with Pakistani officials.

He said Iran appreciates Pakistan�s efforts for the release of five abducted border guards.

�We have full confidence in the efforts of our Pakistani friends for the release of remaining seven Iranian border guards and for this both countries are in constant touch with each other,� he said.

Abbas Araqchi also participated in joint talks with Pakistan�s Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua during which different bilateral issues were discussed.

Earlier he also met with Chairman of Pakistan�s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed.