IRANI FM TO RUSSIA AND DEPUTY FM TO PAKISTAN -by- Tazeen Akhtar

Tazeen Akhtar

Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran for Political Affairs, Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani visited Pakistan when his Minister was in Moscow to hold what he termed “highly serious talks” with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to make a what he said “big jump in relations” and on developing situation in Caucasus region especially about Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran is concerned on Israeli presence in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan is sensitive naturally for Iran’s support to Armenia especially during the second Karabakh war last year. Foreign Minister’s Russia visit and Deputy’s Pakistan visit can be seen co-relating in a sense that Pakistan stood by Azerbaijan in this war.

On 05 Oct 2021, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister Pakistan received the DFM in his office and remarked that the recent high-level exchanges have further reinforced existing ties. He emphasized early implementation of the steps, agreed during Prime Minister’s meeting with President Raisi on the margins of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. He underlined the need for regular convening of institutional frameworks to boost trade and economic relations.

Pakistan is optimistic about upcoming session of Joint Trade Committee would provide further impetus to efforts for strengthening economic linkages.

Iran extended steadfast support on Jammu and Kashmir, especially at the Supreme Leader level after Pakistan highlighted the gruesome violations of human rights there.

Both parties discussed Afghanistan situation and underscored the need for close coordination for the mutual advantage of the two countries and the region. Economic collapse is dangerous for both countries because it can  lead to refugee influx and regional instability.

The DFM reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and advance shared objectives in the region. He said that Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdollahian looked forward to his visit to Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood co-chaired the 11th Session of Pakistan-Iran Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) with  Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani at the Foreign Office.

During the session, the two sides reviewed entire spectrum of bilateral relations in all areas including political, economic, trade, connectivity, security, energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also had a comprehensive exchange of views on the regional situation. The Foreign Secretary congratulated the Iranian side on full membership of SCO.

Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory in bilateral relations. He stated that the recent high-level interactions have further enhanced common understanding on matters of mutual interest.

Mr. Sohail Mahmood underlined the importance of closer coordination to enhance trade and economic relations in order to achieve its true potential. It was emphasized that regular convening of various institutional mechanisms, including Joint Economic Commission and Joint Trade Committee, would be instrumental in overcoming existing challenges. The two sides underlined complementarities in the regional projects and agreed that these would transform the region into a pivotal hub for trade, transportation links, and connectivity.

It was agreed that the two countries would coordinate closely at bilateral and regional level to reinforce efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed to maintain the current momentum of high-level bilateral exchanges and strengthen mutually-beneficial cooperation in diverse fields.

Same day in Moscow, Russian FM  suggested setting up of 3+3 Format in  Caucasus with 3 Caucasian states – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia – and their 3 “big neighbors” – Russia, Turkey, and Iran.Mr. Lavrov said that the format will address the issues of security, unblocking economic and transport ties.

Presidents of Turkey and Russia agreed upon the establishment of the format last week when they met in Sochi. Iran and the 3 states are also on board in this regard.

Iran’s policy towards Azerbaijan and Turkey has been complicated in its relations with Pakistan as well. This format will help ease the way towards enhancing the bilateral relations of Iran and Pakistan. Visits of two officials of Irani MOFA in two different regions indicates that Iran is moving forward to improve the relations with Pakistan and Caucasus countries especially Azerbaijan. Iran has addressed the things in a different way, that is , through Russia with objections on the foreign policy of neighboring Azerbaijan but acceptance of the 3+3 format can pave the way towards better understanding of Azerbaijan’s point of view.

Iran has reservations about Turkish and Pakistani engagement / attachment with Azerbaijan that neither let Armenia win the war nor let any power of the region to do something in the favor of the illegal occupant. Iran is supposed to understand that Pakistan and Turkey are not with Azerbaijan because it is a Muslim country only. Both countries do it as their principled stand that does not allow them to support a country that is aggressor and occupying the territories of Azerbaijan without any justification.

We look forward that the DFM will present a positive picture from Pakistan to his boss who is returning from Russia with new ideas and understanding of the peace in this region. This will not only bring stability in Caucasus but will prove beneficial for Afghanistan as well where the betterment in governance and restoration of peace in the best interest of all countries of the adjacent regions.