By Muhammad Luqman
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that two suicide blast attempts near his country’s border with Pakistan last night were foiled due to efforts from both countries. “Last night we had two suicide attack attempts from Pakistani territory into Iran. Both of them were foiled and we had excellent cooperation last night from the Pakistani armed forces ,” Zarif, who is visiting Pakistan, said while talking to a Pakistani TV Channel Geo TV. The Iranian foreign minister reiterated his commitment towards improving ties between the neighbouring countries, stressing that Iran would not allow its land to be used for activities against Pakistan. “We have had conversations and discussions with our Pakistani friends at the highest level. We provided whatever we had and we continue to be ready,” Javad Zarif said. Zarif also spoke about attempts by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to improve relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. “Unfortunately he [Nawaz Sharif] was not as warmly received in Saudi Arabia on this particular proposal. There was no reception to his suggestion.” Geo TV reported. Commenting on Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was caught by Pakistan in March 2016 while crossing over from Iran, Zarif said the Iranian government had provided Pakistan with all the intelligence they had. Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif invited Pakistan to participate in Chahbahar seaport project and development of its link with Gwadar Port as he sought to allay concerns here over Indian involvement in the Iranian port. “We offered to participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). We have also offered Pakistan and China to participate in Chahbahar,” Dr Zarif, said while delivering a lecture at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) that had been held to commemorate 70th anniversary of establishment of Pak-Iran diplomatic relations. Iranian Foreign Minister earlier held bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhamamd Asif at the Foreign Office and addressed a trade conference. Pakistan had always been concerned about Indian involvement in Chahbahar port. These concerns got amplified after Iran last month signed a lease agreement with India, which would give operational control of the port to the latter.
