Tehran: Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Saturday to discuss boosting border trade, strengthening security cooperation, and expanding bilateral ties. According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the meeting aimed to enhance the partnership between the two neighboring countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pakistani government sources confirmed Naqvi's arrival in the Iranian capital earlier in the day. His visit was part of an unannounced trip, as initially reported by IRNA. During the meeting, Momeni focused on a range of topics, particularly the enhancement of border trade. He expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its friendly and supportive stance towards Iran, highlighting the deep-rooted historical relations between the two nations.

Momeni emphasized the mutual determination to expand economic and trade relations, stressing the importance of establishing facilities on both sides of the border for unity and cooperation. He expressed optimism that the shared border would become more secure and beneficial through joint efforts.

Naqvi, in turn, expressed gratitude to Momeni for his hospitality and conveyed confidence that both countries would achieve tangible solutions concerning bilateral relations, border security, and trade. A spokesperson for Pakistan's Interior Ministry mentioned that the visit had been previously scheduled and that a statement regarding Naqvi's meetings would be issued.

The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan has been playing a mediating role between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The conflict saw Iranian retaliation against Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets. A ceasefire was achieved on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, although subsequent talks in Islamabad have yet to yield a lasting agreement.