‘War in region is in no one’s interest,’ says envoy Reza Amiri Moghadam
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Iran on Tuesday expressed concern over rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and called for continued efforts to ease relations.
Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said: “War in the region is not in anyone’s interest. ” He added that common enemies Pakistan and Iran encourage terrorism and separatism, warning: “We must remain vigilant.”
Late Saturday night, Pakistan carried out intelligence-driven strikes on terror camps in Afghanistan in what officials described as a punitive response to a series of deadly suicide bombings, including an attack on an Imambargah in Islamabad and multiple blasts in Bajaur and Bannu during the holy month of Ramazan.
The Iranian ambassador said that close cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Iran continued at regional and global forums. “We are grateful for the strong support of the Pakistani nation and government; regional cooperation will continue,” he said.
“The Pakistan-India war and the 12-day Israeli aggression against Iran have brought Pakistan and Iran closer together,” he added.
Read: Air raids in Afghanistan destroy 7 terrorist camps
On trade and diplomacy, Amiri Moghadam said 25 high-level Iranian delegations visited Pakistan last year and described the recent bilateral trade as “good level”. He also welcomed Pakistan’s vote against an anti-Iran resolution in Geneva, saying: “The United States faced a political setback in Geneva.”
Reiterating Tehran and Islamabad’s stance on regional issues, he said: “Pakistan and Iran reject any form of separatism” and “Iran and Pakistan are staunch supporters of Palestine and oppose Zionist aggression.”
Speaking about Iran’s nuclear program, he said: “Since 2015, the IAEA has repeatedly declared Iran’s nuclear program to be peaceful. »
Learn more: Several foreign ministers condemn Israel for its steps in the West Bank, according to a press release
He described Israel as “the representative of the United States in the region.”
Referring to the recent Iran-Israel conflict, he said: “Israel was forced to retreat and negotiate” and “we demonstrated our military capability during the 12 days of conflict.”
The ambassador also claimed that “Israel publishes maps of Greater Israel.”
