ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday assured his Iranian counterpart Jawad Zarif of Islamabad’s complete support for Tehran’s stance on the country’s nuclear deal with major world powers, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office (FO). During talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, Qureshi expressed the hope that the remaining parties in the agreement uphold their commitment after the United States pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May this year and re-imposed sanctions on Iran. According to the statement, Qureshi noted the potential of strengthening the already strong bilateral ties. Both sides underlined the need to promote bilateral relations in all areas of interest. Detailed discussions were also held on regional and global issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to host the next round of bilateral political consultations and the joint economic commission at early dates. They also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in economic, trade and connectivity sectors and agreed to continue consultations over issues related to Pakistan-Iran border. Qureshi stressed that Pakistan greatly values Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strong and unswerving support for the just struggle of the people of Kashmir. Foreign Minister Zarif congratulated Qureshi that Pakistan’s strong protest against the blasphemous caricature competition in Netherlands had led to cancellation of the event. “Muslim countries needed to confront Islamophobic tendencies with one voice,” he underlined. Later, the visiting minister met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. An ISPR statement issued after the meeting said regional security situation and other matters of mutual interest were discussed. Army chief assured the Iranian minister that Pakistan is taking sincere steps for peace and security in the region. Iranian foreign minister acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for prevention of conflicts in the region. Published in Daily Times, September 1st 2018.