Iran Press/Iran News: Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, heading a political-military delegation, arrived in Islamabad Pakistan on Wednesday morning.
"Iran and Pakistan are two good neighbours which have positive relations," Zarif said to reporters on his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, according to an Iran Press report.
Referring to the fact that Iran always consults with Pakistan about all issues, Zarif noted: "Unfortunately we have witnessed recently that some Iranian border guards being abducted by terrorist groups so it is necessary to talk with our Pakistani counterparts to pave the way for their freedom."
Iran's Foreign Minister said: "In the recent dialogue between Iranian and Pakistani officials, the Pakistani side has pledged to do everything it can, using all means at its disposal, to secure the release of the abducted border guards."
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif talking to reporters at Islamabad International Airport
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, besides holding a meeting with foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, is expected to call on prime minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa during his one-day trip, DAWN newspaper reported.
Iran's ambassador Mehdi Honardoost met foreign minister Qureshi on Tuesday to discuss the hurriedly planned trip of Zarif.
Fourteen border guard forces were abducted by terrorists in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan border with Pakistan, on October 15.
Pakistan-based Jeish al-Adl terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the abductions.
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Zarif and Qureshi had earlier spoken over the phone regarding the matter immediately after the incident. During the conversation on that occasion, he had requested the Pakistani government to enhance security along the border by increasing troops deployment and other measures.
The Iranian foreign minister had also urged the Pakistani authorities to act swiftly to recover the hostages and arrest the elements behind the terrorist incident in accordance with “the previous understandings” between the two countries.
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Zarif holds talk with Pakistani counterpart on Iran border guards
On 16 October, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Iran is ready for joint operations with the Pakistani army to secure the release of border guards who have been kidnapped on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan.101/201
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