Pak FM meets Irans top leaders amid Trumps criticism

Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif today met Irans top leadership as part of Islamabads efforts to drum up support after US President Donald Trump criticised it for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Asif called on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran and held detailed talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif on bilateral relations and the prevailing regional situation, including efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan, the Pakistan Foreign Office here said in a statement.
Ahead of Asifs maiden visit to America, Pakistans foreign ministry had announced that he will travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran to drum up support for Islamabad after Trump warned it of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.
Trump while announcing his policy for South Asia and Afghanistan hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to “agents of chaos” that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has “much to lose” by harbouring terrorists. Pakistan is upset over the allegations.
Asif and Zarif exchanged views on the efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of latest developments in the war-torn country.
“They agreed that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a politically negotiated settlement was imperative for lasting peace in Afghanistan. They underscored that the regional countries have vital stakes in stability in Afghanistan and should play a more proactive role in the peace efforts,” the Foreign Office said.
Asif stated that Pakistan was committed to further strengthen relations with Iran and to work closely for promoting peace, security and development in the region, it said.
He expressed satisfaction over the increasing engagement between Pakistan and Iran while emphasising on the need to focus on promoting trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.
Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif reaffirmed Irans commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan in diverse fields like in trade, investment, connectivity as well as border management.
The Foreign Office also said that both ministers shared deep concern over alleged “human rights violations” in Kashmir.
They also expressed deep concern over the atrocities being committed against Rohingyas and agreed on the need for urgent humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering, it said.
Asif, during his meeting with President Rouhani, discussed strengthening of ties between the two countries and reaffirmed the mutual desire to boost bilateral cooperation.
Asif is accompanied by National Security Advisor Naseer Khan Janjua and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
The foreign minister earlier visited China and discussed the new US policy with counterpart Wang Yi.
He is also expected to visit Turkey and meet his Russian counterpart later this month as part of efforts to garner support for the country which is facing mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups.
Meanwhile, the foreign minister told Irans state news agency IRNA that the US military approach in Afghanistan has already failed to address the problems in the country.
“No need to say that the approach taken by the Americans which is a military one, has not been able to bring peace to Afghanistan 16 years and military solution will not work,? he said.
“I am also planning to meet my Russian counterpart in near future on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session and discuss the peaceful approaches for Afghanistan issue with him,” he added.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.