UPDATE 2 - Marking end of tensions, Pakistan, Iran to turn borders into areas of trade, development

UPDATES WITH IRANIAN FIOREIGN MINISTER’S MEETING WITH PAKISTANI ARMY CHIEF

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan and Iran on Monday agreed to turn their border areas into "trade hubs," marking an end to tensions over airstrikes in each other's territories earlier this month.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdolahian, who arrived in the capital Islamabad on Sunday night on a day-long visit.

This was the first meeting between the top diplomats of Pakistan and Iran to discuss the situation after cross-border airstrikes, earlier this month.

The visit comes after the two countries recalled their ambassadors and downgraded diplomatic ties.

The airstrikes that killed 11 people from both sides, were initiated by Tehran, drawing a similar response from Islamabad.

Addressing a joint news conference, Jilani said the meetings of the "high-level" mechanism will be held regularly and alternatively in both countries to oversee the progress on the matters the two sides have agreed.

He added that liaison officers from both sides will be deployed in Pakistan 's bordering district of Turbat and Iranian city Zahidan to implement the existing security agreements.

Apart from security and terrorism related issues, he said the two countries have also agreed to expand bilateral trade, especially expediting the establishment of five border markets.

The two countries inaugurated the first border market in May last year.

The Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace is one of the six border markets planned.

- Terrorists backed by '3rd countries'

Amir-Abdolahian, for his part, said there was “no doubt” that militants located in the border areas of Pakistan and Iran were “led and supported by third countries”.

He said the two sides have agreed to take action against the terrorists in their respective territories, and turn the border areas into trade hubs.

Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity are as important for Iran as its own, he said.

Eulogizing Islamabad for its "strong and steadfast" support to the people of Gaza, he said the two countries will continue to support the Palestinians' resistance.

Earlier, the two countries held a delegation-level meeting at the Foreign Ministry.

The two countries agreed to work toward promoting the "mutually desired" goals of peace and prosperity, based on mutual respect and a collective approach to address common challenges.

During the meeting, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the two top diplomats discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

They underscored the importance of "robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive, forward-oriented and upward trajectory in bilateral relations."

- Meeting with army chief

Amir-Abdolahian also met with Pakistan’s army chief Gen. Asim Munir at the army headquarters in northeastern garrison city of Rawalpindi to discuss ways of addressing the two sides’ security concerns.

Munir underscored the centrality of respecting the other state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it “sacrosanct, inviolable and the most important cardinal of state-to-state relationship,” said a statement from the military.

“The two sides observed that terrorism was common threat that needed to be tackled through collaborative efforts, better coordination and intelligence sharing,” the statement added.

Both sides reaffirmed the resolve to remain closely engaged and not allow any spoilers to drive a wedge between the brotherly nations,” it added.

The visiting foreign minister will also meet with Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.