TEHERAN: Pakistan and Afghanistan resumed diplomatic relations following Iranian mediation, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mr Abbas Aram, announced today (May 28).

A delegation from Pakistan led by External Affairs Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and a delegation from Afghanistan led by Syed Qasim Rishtya, Minister for Information and Press, concluded negotiations by signing an agreement at the Iranian Foreign Ministry this afternoon. Their negotiations had begun on May 24 with the mediation of Shah Reza Pahlevi of Iran.

Before the signing of the agreement to resume diplomatic relations which were broken off in September 1961, representatives of the two sides in the talks met the Shah for two hours and a half.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Shah of Iran hoped that the spirit of cooperation and understanding which existed during the Teheran talks would further strengthen and have a bearing on the future relations of the two “friendly and brotherly countries” of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aram, who signed the accord as a third-party representative, thanked the Afghan and Pakistan delegations for the cordial atmosphere they maintained during the talks.

According to an earlier report from Teheran, Mr Abbas Aram gave a dinner in honour of the Pakistan and Afghan delegations on May 25.

Popping a toast to the Shahinshah of Iran, the King of Afghanistan and the President of Pakistan, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed his happiness that sincere efforts of the Shahinshah had provided an opportunity for representatives of brotherly countries to assemble in Teheran to resolve their differences. — Dawn/Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...