Iranian foreign minister in Islamabad for 3-day visit

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan state television reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in Islamabad as the head of a politico-economic delegation.

During his three-day visit, which began Sunday, Zarif will hold talks with the Pakistani prime minister, foreign minister, interior minister, parliament speaker and army chief.

Pakistan and Iran have had close ties in the past but recent regional alignments and Pakistan’s tilt toward Saudi Arabia have perturbed Iran, particularly the assignment of a Pakistani former army chief to head a Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism.

The visit likely aims to reduce tensions between the two neighbours.