iran foreign minister visits pakistan for talks following reciprocal airstrikes
Published on: January 30, 2024.
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Iran FM Visits Pakistan for Talks After Cross-Border Air Strikes
ISLAMABAD, Jan 29, 2024 – Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for talks aimed at easing tensions between the two nations following a series of deadly cross-border strikes. The visit comes after Pakistan launched air strikes on what it referred to as “militant targets” in Iran’s territory in response to previous Iranian strikes. The tit-for-tat attacks in the Baluchistan region intensified regional tensions during the Israel-Hamas war.
During his visit, Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to have discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and meet with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. Pictures and videos of his arrival were shared by Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
The province of Sistan-Baluchistan in southeastern Iran, where the recent attacks took place, is predominantly Sunni Muslim in a predominantly Shiite country. The region has been plagued by unrest involving drug-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluch ethnicity, and jihadist elements.
The initial Iranian strikes caused a significant backlash from Pakistan, which condemned the attacks and recalled its ambassador from Tehran. Additionally, Pakistan blocked Iran’s envoy from returning to his post and summoned Islamabad’s charge d’affaires over the matter. Iran also expressed its dismay over Pakistan’s strikes, which resulted in at least nine casualties.
However, both countries have now agreed to de-escalate tensions and resume diplomatic activities. The two ambassadors will return to their respective posts.
As tensions ease between Iran and Pakistan, it is hoped that the diplomatic discussions will provide a platform for addressing the issues that sparked the recent conflict and pave the way for improved relations between the neighboring countries.
Source: [BSS News](https://www.bssnews.net)
